WELKOM – In a major breakthrough against organised crime, a seamless, swift, and cross-provincial operation has dealt a significant blow to criminal syndicates leading to the arrest of 16 suspects linked to a high-stakes double business robbery at Goldfields Mall in Welkom.
Sgt. Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson says the suspects allegedly targeted two clothing retail stores at the mall at around 19:45 on Wednesday, making off with luxury clothing, watches and perfumes worth an estimated R900 000.
Private security officers responded immediately and launched a high-speed pursuit after the suspects fled in multiple getaway vehicles. A shootout broke out during the chase between the suspects and security personnel, although no injuries or fatalities were reported.
SAPS tactical units, including the Welkom Public Order Police (POP), Welkom K9 Unit and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, were activated to assist in the operation.
Police intercepted the first group of suspects between Welkom and Odendaalsrus, where four men were arrested. Officers recovered a substantial quantity of the stolen merchandise and seized a white Kia Sportage and a white Nissan NP300 bakkie, both loaded with the looted goods.
Information gathered at the scene led investigators to additional getaway vehicles heading towards neighbouring provinces.
Acting on the intelligence, SAPS members in Orkney and Stilfontein intercepted a white Toyota Quantum minibus, arresting nine suspects. Police recovered four handguns and ammunition from the vehicle. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes.
In a separate operation, police in Villiers intercepted a blue Hyundai i20, leading to the arrest of the remaining three suspects. The vehicle was also confiscated.
The 16 suspects are expected to face charges including business robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Police investigations are continuing and additional charges may follow.
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