Swift response leads to arrest of armed men
ROSEBANK – It turned out the men had criminal intentions as they were found in possession of felonious elements.
A potential crime was averted by Rosebank Police Station officers on night duty. Sergeant Matoma Sebopetja recounted how suspects were apprehended at midnight (01:45) on January 11.
“There was a gentleman who came over to the front desk and asked to use the toilet. He produced a police appointment card and said he was a sergeant from another police station. I showed him the bathroom but at the same time I was a bit suspicious. Due to my suspicions, I told the other members at the charge office to be alert so that we could check on his every move.”
He added that the man came out of the toilet and went outside to a parked silver Volkswagen (VW) Polo. Due to further suspicious behaviour from the man while outside; the sergeant alerted Sergeant Brenda Shipalana and Constable Ndumiso Madlopha who were out on patrol.
“I asked them to come to the station, and to do so tactically so we could decide how to approach the car. At the same time the two officers arrived, another black VW Polo came and parked next to the silver one.
“The two occupants in the black Polo were wearing balaclavas. One of them alighted and went toward the silver Polo and they spoke.”
At that very moment the sergeant set in motion a plan of action to confront the car occupants while calling for backup from Parkview and Norwood stations, the car occupants launched an escape.
The black VW Polo was chased by the patrol van and caught on Baker Street and Sturdee Avenue. Sergeant Sebopetja and officers from the charge office chased the silver Polo all the way to Langlaagte but lost it.
Sergeant Shipalana said the two occupants of the black Polo were arrested and upon searching the vehicle they found a firearm with serial number filed off, 14 rounds of live ammunition, balaclavas, a crowbar, a grinder disk, a heavy-duty shifting spanner and seven black refuse plastic bags.
Rosebank spokesperson Warrant Officer Bongi Mdletshe said the two suspects were charged with attempted robbery of police station; possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as possession of housebreaking implements.
He added, “We would like to commend the officers on duty that day for their swift response in making sure that suspects like these ones were arrested. We request anyone with information on the three suspects who escaped on that particular day driving a hatchback silver VW Polo, (registration unknown), to please call Rosebank on 011 778 4700.”
Mdletshe indicated that when profiling the suspects, it was discovered that one was a previous offender. The black Polo also had a bullet hole which showed it was possibly involved in other crimes.
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