Man arrested for business robbery at Protea Gardens Mall
The suspect was apprehended immediately after him and his accomplices allegedly robbed a Pep Cell shop at the Protea Gardens Mall.
A 37-year-old male was arrested and detained at the Moroka Police Station this past weekend on Sunday by the Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Taxi Violence/Transportation Unit.
The suspect was apprehended immediately after him and his accomplices allegedly robbed a Pep Cell shop at the Protea Gardens Mall.
According to reports from the JMPD, members of the Taxi Violence/Transportation Unit were on patrol when they noticed a brown Datsun GO leaving the mall speeding and it was being driven recklessly, with the boot and rear left door open.
ALSO READ: More than 1 000 motorists arrested during Easter
“Suspecting that an offence might have occurred, the officers decided to follow the vehicle. It continued along Chris Hani Road, turned left into Tshithuthune Street near Mangalani Complex, and then immediately turned right,” explained Superintendent Xolani Fihla of the JMPD in a statement.
“As the officers pursued the vehicle, the driver accelerated, prompting them to call for backup and initiate a chase. The vehicle, carrying four occupants, eventually came to a stop next to the Senaoane Swimming Pool.”
When the officers finally caught up with the vehicle, the four occupants exited and opened fire at the police.
There was an exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspects and three of them managed to get back to their vehicle and fled the scene leaving one of their own behind.
ALSO READ: Eldos police arrest four suspects and seize unlicensed firearms
The JMPD officers chased the remaining suspect on foot and with the help of local residents; they finally managed to catch him on Umpambanyoni Street.
“Upon apprehending the suspect, a search revealed a black 9mm Norico firearm in his possession. During questioning, the suspect alluded to being involved in a robbery at a Pep Cell shop at Protea Gardens Mall,” continued Fihla.
The suspect was detained at the Moroka Police Station facing charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
