Teamwork results in arrests of suspected robbers in Standerton
A woman, who responded to the house robbery, came across the suspects who allegedly pointed a firearm at her and then hijacked her vehicle.
The collaboration among security personnel, police and civilians resulted in the arrest of five suspects on August 28.
The suspects were cornered after a house robbery in Mountainview Street, Stanwest, as well as the hijacking of a Nissan Tiida the same day.
According to a recent statement from the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, it happened at about 09:50.
A police report indicated that the suspects arrived at the house, possibly waiting around the premises.
A woman inside, busy praying, heard the domestic worker screaming and looked through the window, noticing one of the suspects in her yard.
She locked herself and other family members inside one of the rooms while making a call for help. Security companies, SAPS and community members were alerted.
A laptop was stolen before the suspects fled the scene.
A woman, who also responded to the house robbery, came across the suspects who allegedly pointed a firearm at her and then hijacked her vehicle.
The suspects were apprehended a few moments later. A firearm with ammunition was confiscated in Ext 8 and the vehicle recovered.
According to a reliable source, the spare tyre, battery and radio were stolen out of the car.
According to the statement, police also confiscated a Hyundai, which was allegedly used in the commission of the house robbery and hijacking.
Police will also investigate the allegation that the hijacked vehicle bumped into a pedestrian on the road, as the suspects were fleeing.
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It is further alleged that after the accident, the suspects stopped and fired some shots. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in the commission of crimes elsewhere.
More charges could be added against the suspects as the probe continues.
The suspects were expected to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on August 30, facing a charge of carjacking, possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, as well as house robbery.
Another charge of reckless and negligent driving could be added as the investigation continues.
The provincial commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, welcomed the arrests and was in appreciation of the collaborative efforts by stakeholders.
