National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says police believe they may have broken the back of a syndicate behind a spate of car-jamming armed robberies where victims’ vehicles were jammed and personal belongings stolen.

This comes as eight robbers were arrested minutes after a female diplomat was robbed of her handbag and other belongings in Pretoria.

Mathe says the diplomat was robbed at the intersection on the corner of Burnet and Festival streets in Pretoria at about 14:00 yesterday.

“According to a preliminary report, police responded swiftly after suspects traveling in a white Toyota Corolla and white Ford Ranger blocked the diplomat’s vehicle.”

She adds police gave chase and traced four suspects along the N1 while the other four suspects were followed to Ultra City Shell garage in Midrand.

“All eight suspects were arrested and were found to be in possession of one firearm, three cellphones and another three car-jammers.

“The suspects are being processed, and investigations are underway to determine if they are linked to other armed robberies and car remote jamming incidents.”