Suspect linked to airport robbery nabbed in Houghton
A 31-year-old suspect, who is allegedly a member of a gang linked with airport robberies, was arrested in Houghton after being found in possession of robbed property.
A man and his family were robbed at gunpoint on their way home from the airport. A 31-year-old male was arrested in Houghton by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit in connection with the robbery. The arrested suspect was charged with armed robbery, possession of stolen property and an unlicensed firearm on April 8.
JMPD spokesperson officer Xolani Fihla reported that while on patrol in the Johannesburg CBD, officers received a complaint about a white BMW vehicle – travelling in Yeoville – which was previously involved in an armed robbery in Bryanston.
He said the officers spotted and intercepted the vehicle at Houghton Drive and St Patrick Road in Houghton. Upon searching the male driver and the vehicle, the officers recovered an unlicensed firearm in his possession. The robbed property – an iPad, an iPhone, a laptop, four luggage bags and clothing – was recovered in the vehicle.
Fihla said the items were later identified by the owner who was summoned to the scene. He confirmed that he and his family were robbed at gunpoint on their way home from the airport.
“The suspect, who is allegedly a member of a gang linked with airport robberies, was arrested and detained at Hillbrow Police Station. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was seized and booked at the SAPS Aeroton pound.”
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