‘Mastermind’ behind jewellery store robberies nabbed in Joburg
Gauteng police believe they have arrested the mastermind behind several jewellery store robberies in the province.
The suspect, who escaped from custody in 2014, was arrested following a gun battle with police on the M2 off-ramp in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters says the suspect opened fire on officers.
"It is reported that the woman and one of the two men, who was the driver, surrendered to the police. The other man, who was actually the suspect and was armed, jumped out of the vehicle and allegedly started firing shots at the police while running in the direction of the George Goch hostels.
"Police returned fire as they gave chase, and the suspect was struck and injured. He was arrested and rushed to the hospital where he is detained under police guard."
An unlicensed firearm and explosives were recovered in the vehicle.
Peters says the police suspects the man could be the mastermind behind several jewellery store robberies in the province.
"The investigation that is currently underway has already linked the injured suspect to several jewellery store robberies committed between 2014 and 2020 at a number of malls and shopping centers in Gauteng, including Clearwater Mall, Cradlestone Mall, Westgate, Eastgate and Midrand.
"Police believe the suspect could be linked to even more jewellery store robberies in other provinces. The possibility of his involvement in cash-in-transit robberies is also being probed."
