Ten suspected armed robbers who, reportedly, planned to rob filling stations in Warrenton, Northern Cape, have been arrested by the police on Saturday, 9 November.
A swift response and multi-disciplinary collaboration secured the arrest of the ten suspects, said Col Cherelle Ehlers, police spokesperson.
Ehlers said on Saturday, crime intelligence-driven information was received regarding a criminal group who had allegedly met at a residence in Christiana, North West, to plan armed robberies at filling stations in Warrenton.
At approximately 10:00, members of the Crime Intelligence units, together with the Kimberley Flying Squad and the Hartswater Highway Patrol, executed a tactical operation at the identified address in Christiana, where the ten suspects were found on the premises.
Upon further investigation, a pistol was found in the suspects’ vehicle, and several tools believed to be utilised in the commission of a crime were seized.
The ten suspects, aged 40 to 65 years old and reportedly from the East Rand in Gauteng, were arrested.
Investigations into the illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected housebreaking equipment, and the contravention of the Immigration Act are to be investigated, Ehlers said.
A firearm and ammunition, tools, and a Volkswagen Polo with an estimated value of R301 000, were seized.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, commended the team for their rapid response. She reiterated the importance of sharing information to enable law enforcement to apprehend perpetrators and prevent the occurrence of serious crimes.
- In another unrelated incident, members involved in Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District, confiscated a significant amount of diesel at a house in Phuthanang in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
According to Sgt Merapelo Pilane, members of proactive and combat teams received intelligence-driven information on Thursday, 7 November, regarding a house in Samora Machel Street where diesel was allegedly stored and sold.
The information was operationalised, and diesel was found stored in 25-litre containers, hidden in an unused toilet. No satisfactory explanation was given with regard to its ownership.
Suspected stolen diesel estimated at R7 000 was confiscated and an enquiry was opened for further investigation.
Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspicious criminal activities through the MySaps App or 10111 crime stop number, Pilane emphasised.
