Swift response by the police and private security companies led to the arrest of seven suspects who had just robbed a jewellery shop in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, on Tuesday 22 October 2024. The police also recovered four firearms from the suspects. Two police officers and three suspects were injured during the shootout. One police officer was treated at the scene while the other police officer was taken to a local medical care centre in a serious but stable condition.
It is reported that approximately eight armed suspects stormed into a jewellery shop at Clearwater Mall and held the employees at gunpoint. The suspects robbed the shop of a substantial amount of jewellery. As they were leaving the mall, they were intercepted by the police and private security officers. The suspects started shooting at the law enforcement officers, and a shootout ensued. Four suspects were cornered and arrested at Christiaan Dewet Road, just opposite the mall, and two firearms were recovered.
The police followed other suspects to Dobsonville, where three more suspects were arrested and two firearms recovered.
Some of the jewellery that was taken from the shop has been recovered.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni attributed these arrests to the collaboration between the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department and Private Security Companies. "I would like to thank all the law enforcement agencies who worked together to ensure that the suspects are arrested and firearms recovered soon after the commission of crime. These arrests should send a message to all the criminals that law enforcement agencies are ready for them this festive season" said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before Roodepoort Magistrate's Court in due course, facing charges that include business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.