Police sergeant among nine arrested in Springs on various charges
The arrests follow a burglary at a clothing and cellphone store in Delmas.
Gauteng Police arrested nine people, including a police sergeant, on Wednesday morning on 11th Street in Springs CBD.
These arrests follow allegations of involvement in a burglary at a clothing and cellphone store in Delmas.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the intruders made off with a significant cache of cellphones and cash before being traced to a safe house in Springs.
“Upon their capture, the officials discovered an unlicensed firearm, tools suspected to have been utilised in the break-in, and a portion of the stolen goods and cash in their possession,” said Masondo.
Police also seized two vehicles believed to have been used during the commission of the crime. The swift response was facilitated by members of the police Crime Intelligence Unit, who promptly alerted the Highway Patrol Flexi Squad to intercept the perpetrators.
“Despite attempts by some to flee, nine were successfully apprehended while others managed to escape,” Masondo said.
“It was revealed that a store manager was kidnapped during the burglary. Fortunately, she was later dropped off in Sundra town without any injuries.”
Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni expressed gratitude for the diligent efforts of the law enforcement officials.
However, he also expressed disappointment at the involvement of police officers in criminal activities, emphasising the ongoing commitment to root out such misconduct.
“Police will continue to get rid of rotten apples within its ranks as they dent the good work that is done by committed police officers on a daily basis,” said Mthombeni.
The apprehended group is expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen property and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
They will also be appearing in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court for charges of business burglary and kidnapping.
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