GQEBERHA – The swift investigation by the Motherwell Cluster Trio Task Team has resulted in the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to two house robberies committed in Motherwell within a period of four days.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the first incident occurred on Friday, 31 July, at approximately 19:30, at a residence in Mgwenyana Street, NU6, Motherwell.

“It is alleged that four armed men wearing surgical masks and balaclavas knocked on the front door,” she said. “After the complainant opened the door, the suspects forced their way into the house, threatened the complainant and her daughter with firearms.”

She added that the suspects stole an Apple iPhone SE valued at approximately R3 500 before fleeing the scene.

The second incident took place on Monday, 3 August, at approximately 16:25, at a residence in Ngadla Street, NU9, Motherwell.

Janse van Rensburg said that three armed suspects wearing masks allegedly entered the house through an open kitchen door.

“The suspects threatened them with firearms and stole two Apple iPhone 11 cellphones valued at approximately R9 200,” she said. “The suspects fled the scene in a maroon Toyota Tazz.”

No injuries were sustained and no shots were fired in either incident.

“At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 4 August, members of the Motherwell Cluster Trio Task Team followed up on the investigation by interviewing the victims and gathering crucial information,” she said, which led to the identification of the maroon Toyota Tazz allegedly used during the commission of the robberies.

“The vehicle was traced to Mbabala Street, Ikamvelihle, in Motherwell, where the driver was arrested,” she said. “He allegedly admitted that he had been hired as a driver and had remained inside the vehicle while the suspects entered the targeted houses.”

Janse van Rensburg said he further alleged that the suspects returned carrying iPhones after committing the robbery.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of two male suspects, aged 25 and 27 years, who are believed to be linked to both house robberies,” she said. “The maroon Toyota Tazz was seized and impounded as part of the investigation.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court during the week on charges of house robbery.

“The investigation is continuing, and additional arrests are expected as police pursue the remaining suspects involved in the robberies,” she concluded.

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