Two people were arrested on October 10 after two crime incidents the day before.

According to Sector Special Operations Patrollers (SSOP) chairperson Leon Marinus, reports emerged on emergency WhatsApp groups at about 19:00 on October 9 about an attempted hijacking that occurred in Florida.

“Shortly after, a report about an armed robbery, where a BMW was also taken in Roodepoort CBD, came through.

Marinus adds that the BMW was recovered shortly after the theft, but the suspects had gotten away.

“Statements from the victims at both crime scenes indicated that the suspects had been travelling in a green Ford Kuga,” he says.

“Working with police and security companies, the vehicle was eventually identified and its details loaded onto the Licence Plate Recognition camera network early the next morning.

He says at 12:57, Fidelity ADT’s Information and Tactical Operations Centre (ITOC) picked the vehicle up as it was travelling in the vicinity of Mouton and Ontdekkers Roads. SSOP, Fidelity ADT, Beagle Watch, and EC Security all mobilised to locate it, and a short while later, the vehicle was spotted again on Ontdekkers Road heading towards Florida.

“An SSOP member spotted the car just past Flora Centre and successfully stopped it before Gordon Road, with backup provided from all role players.

“The suspects were detained at the scene and handed over to JMPD’s Tactical Response Unit, who transported them to Roodepoort Police Station.”

Marinus adds that the suspects’ vehicle has since been confirmed as the one used in the crime incidents, and the suspects have been positively identified by the victims.

“The suspects are facing multiple charges, including armed robbery, attempted hijacking, and motor vehicle theft.”