A gang of 10 armed robbers stole four vehicles and other valuable items from a Jan Smuts Avenue car dealership on the early morning of 13 September.
Linden Police Station spokesperson Constable Takalani Matumba said that an initial suspect posed as a potential car buyer and managed to fool a sales consultant into thinking he was a potential Toyota Fortuner purchaser.
“The sales consultant then took the key of the Toyota Fortuner and took the suspect to view the vehicle before returning thereafter. When he got back, he noticed two other males viewing the car, and when he approached them, they grabbed him at gunpoint and forced him into the office,” said Matumba.
Shortly thereafter, his three colleagues and another customer were also brought into the office.
“Seven more suspects came in after a call was made telling the others to come in and demanded keys to the various vehicles on display.
“The complainant told them all the vehicle keys were kept in the safe and they went for them. They then started testing which keys belonged to each vehicle,” said Matumba.
Suspects fled the scene with four vehicles including two Mercedes Benz, a Volkswagen Golf, and an Audi A3.
They also made away with cell phones and laptops, reaching a total value of
R1.4 million.
“No injuries were reported and we are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help apprehend these suspects to please call the nearest police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Information can also be given anonymously via MySAPS App that can be downloaded from any smartphone,” concluded Matumba.
