One vehicle linked to multiple armed robberies in Polokwane
As police investigations continue, a cellphone was found in the apprehended vehicle, which gives officials reason to hope for an eventual arrest.
POLOKWANE – A close source to Polokwane Observer says there is a strong suspicion that the group of armed robbers who targeted a visitor at the Thornhill Estate at gunpoint on Tuesday could be linked to the group of people who robbed the Woolworths store in Mall of the North last Thursday evening.
Two other robberies, namely one at the Woodlands Estate entrance in April and one in Welgelegen in August are also possibly connected.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Robbery stuns resident at Woodlands Estate
In Tuesday’s incident, video footage shows a motorist stopping at the entrance to Thornhill Estate at 11:21 when he is approached by two armed suspects.
One suspect points a firearm at the guard stationed at the gate before approaching the driver.
The other suspect opens the door and rummages through the vehicle.
The two men then walk away to a getaway vehicle.
Also read: Police confirm theft of R260 000 in cash during Thornhill robbery
According to the source, the same vehicle was used in all four robberies.
Kevin Smit, Urban Africa Security Services’ area manager confirmed to Polokwane Observer that a large sum of cash was taken from the vehicle during the robbery on Tuesday.
Smit said guards from Urban Africa gave chase and the suspects were cornered along Chroom Street.
“A shootout ensued and the suspects fled on foot. A cellphone was left behind in the vehicle, so it’s only a matter of time before they’re caught,” he said.
Efforts to get official comment from Tysocon Properties yielded no official response.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said they were still gathering further information regarding the Thornhill Estate incident.
A police statement dated November 22 furthermore indicates that they needed public assistance in identifying the suspects featuring on the surveillance footage of the armed robbery that took place at Woolworths.
“According to information, a group of armed suspects stormed into the store at 19:00 and ordered the staff to lie down on the floor. The suspects then made off with valuable items worth thousands of rand. There were no injuries reported during the incident.”
Police appeal to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects or who can identify the people in the footage to urgently contact the investigating officers Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501or Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or their nearest police station.
Alternatively call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or report anonymously on the MySAPSApp.
