Two car thieves recently arrested in Centurion apparently stashed their firearm in a plastic crate in a house they were breaking into.
The community watchdog, Centurion Concerned Citizens (CCC), said it was believed one of them fired shots to scare off his chasers. According to CCC, the owner of the house discovered the firearm when he wanted to use the crate.
Captain Agnes Huma, spokesperson for the Wierdabrug police, said she could not yet confirm if the firearm was linked to the crime.
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The Wierdabrug police arrested two men, aged 30 and 34, for allegedly stealing a car. Huma said the nearby security officers called the police for assistance.
“When the police arrived, they found the two suspects and a white Mercedes Benz.” Huma said police found that it had been stolen in Midrand.
“The vehicle was stolen during a house burglary and theft in Midrand. The arrested suspects were also found in possession of ascrewdriver,” she said.
Also read: Centurion woman robbed in house
The suspects appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on theft charges and were denied bail. “They will remain in police custody,” Huma said.
She said station commander Colonel Sam Makama applauded the police members, reservists and security companies for their quick response and teamwork.
The burglary took place around 12:46. An alert resident and CCC member of Marikana Street, Enrico Kalis, noticed a white Mercedes Benz inside a neighbouring property.
He called its details into the CCC channel and gave a description of the suspects. According to CCC, Kalis saw one of the men putting on gloves after the would-be robbers had lifted the gate to gain access to the property.
Owner of Scorpion Risk Services Riaan Erasmus and other reaction officers, responded to the call and arrived within four minutes. According to reports, Kalis parked his bakkie in front of his neighbour’s gate to prevent the culprits from escaping.
One jumped over the wall of a neighbouring house. He was cornered and arrested in Evander Street, Kalis said. He had cut his right hand while jumping over walls.
The other men was caught inside the property. Wierdabrug SAPS, the antihijacking unit and police medical staff also responded to the scene.
“The Mercedes Benz used by the suspect was stolen during a house robbery in Midrand in March. The vehicle had a false registration plate.”
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