Police launch manhunt for business robbery gang after high-speed escape
One of the suspects was arrested on the spot while others managed to get away.
Police are on the hunt for several suspects still at large after a group of armed men allegedly entered one of the electronic stores at Blaauw Village shopping centre, in the north of Pretoria to commit theft.
According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Dwayne Lightfoot, police arrested one man for the business robbery on April 12.
“The suspects held the staff up at gunpoint before taking electronic devices, including cellphones, then fled the scene in a red VW Polo,” said Lightfoot.
Lightfoot said the Pretoria North police crime prevention team, supported by SAPS Soshanguve K9 unit, Maximum and Risk Solution Securities immediately mobilised and followed up on the information on the whereabouts of the suspects.
“A vehicle fitting the description of the suspects was spotted en route to Soshanguve.
Once the suspects noticed the presence of police, they sped off which led to a high-speed chase,” he said.
He said the Polo was intercepted in Block GG in Soshanguve and one suspect was arrested while the other four escaped on foot.
He said police “recovered the stolen items”.
“The vehicle will be examined to determine if it was used in other criminal activities,” said Lightfoot.
A case of business robbery was opened at Pretoria North police station for further investigation.
Lightfoot said police and other law enforcement agencies would continue to wage a war against criminals.
He urged the community to report any suspicious activity in their area.
The suspect will appear in the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
Those with information about the suspects still at large are urged to contact police via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Recently, the shopping centre replaced 12 car guards with what it referred to as “new generation security cameras”.
Rekord reported that one week later, a blue VW Polo was stolen from the centre parking lot.
The incident angered the residents and shoppers who reported feeling uneasy about solely relying on cameras to keep the parking lot secure.
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*Please note this article has been amended
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