Hawks nab ‘career criminals’ in the Western Cape
Four of the six people involved in a botched business robbery in Epping, Cape Town, have a criminal history spanning over 15 years, the Hawks said on Monday.
The four, aged between 53 and 59, who have 52 cases collectively, were allegedly part of a group of six arrested on Friday, said Hawks Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.
One of the four died during a shootout with police at the robbery scene.
One, aged 42, was linked to more than 26 cases, which included business robberies, house breaking, theft and cash-in-transit robbery.
“He is also suspected to be the mastermind of the jewellery shop robberies in and around the province,” said Mulaudzi.
The second man, 49, was linked to four cases of attempted murder, robbery with firearm, theft and possession of stolen property.
The third, who was in hospital under police guard, was released on parole in 2014 and is linked to 10 cases. These included theft of motor vehicle, robbery with a firearm, possession of unlicensed firearm, drug possession and murder. He is 52-years-old.
The fourth man who died of gunshot wounds, had two outstanding cases of business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Other cases included theft out of motor vehicle, house breaking, perjury and pointing of a firearm. The man was 52-years-old.
Two of the men was expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate Court on Monday on charges of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of unlicensed firearms and attempted business robbery.
“The 53-year-old suspect will be charged in absentia due to his injuries,” Mulaudzi said.