One of two suspects wanted in connection with a case of armed robbery and kidnapping was arrested by Germiston police in High Road, Germiston on 19 March.
On the basis of case jurisdiction, Germiston police transferred the suspect to Joburg Central police, for the incident which occurred on the corner of Lilian Ngoyi and Nugget streets in the Joburg CBD on 16 March at about 4.30pm, Captain Xoli Mbele, spokesperson of Joburg Central police explained.
“It is alleged that [two male] suspects robbed and kidnapped a male victim [at gunpoint] on the corner of Lilian Ngoyi and Nugget streets [on the above-mentioned date]. The victim, who was making his way back from Dragon City [after purchasing] stock, unsuspectingly made a stop at a red traffic light, following which a pursuing bakkie blocked his way,” Mbele said.
“The victim [noticed] a male exiting the bakkie and then pointing a firearm at him. He instructed the victim to open his door. He complied and was taken to Alexandra, where the perpetrators tied him up with rope, before off-loading his stock into their bakkie.
“Before fleeing the scene, the suspects took the victim’s bank card and demanded his pin number. Noticing that he was non-compliant, one of the suspects allegedly fired a warning shot into the air. The victim then parted with a false pin number, following which the suspects fled the scene.”
The victim was apparently spotted by a community member who subsequently helped free him. The victim opened a case at the Joburg Central Police Station on the same day. The total value of his stock (unidentified) was estimated at R38 600.
However, in an apparent twist of fate, the victim, whilst in Germiston, noticed what appeared to be one of the perpetrators along High Street. He immediately notified Germiston police who moved in on the suspect. The victim was allegedly able to positively identify the man, resulting in his arrest, with his accomplice still at large. A police investigation is underway and the suspect is set to appear in the Joburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery.
Details: Anyone with information can contact the Joburg Central Police Station on 011 497 7135.
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