Possible breakthrough in OR Tambo follow-homes and robberies

Police say the airport reaction team nabbed the suspects during routine patrols at around midnight last night. 

National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo says they are not ruling out the possibility that the suspects could be involved in following people home from the airport and robbing them.

Naidoo says the team gave chase after spotting three men walking under the bridge near the R21 highway in Kempton Park. 

"When the police stopped to search the suspects, they began running in different directions. The suspects were pursued on foot and subsequently arrested. One of them was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and several rounds of ammunition," he confirms. 

The serial number on the pistol had been filed off.

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After interrogating the suspects, the police team was led to a house where they arrested a fourth suspect. 

Stolen goods including cellphones, laptops, car keys and passports were recovered, Naidoo says. 

"Further investigations were conducted through the night and it was established the passports are linked with two robberies in the Wierdabrug area of Pretoria."

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The four suspects will face charges of unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property and possibly armed robbery.

They are expected to appear in court soon.