Seven suspects, of which the youngest is a teenager, were arrested during the early hours of yesterday morning, Sunday, March 6, after a robbery spree that started in Rocklands and ended in Kariega.
The first incident took place on Saturday at approximately 22:45, when a business robbery was reported at a garage in Rocklands. After the incident, all police vehicles were alerted to be on the lookout for a yellow Mazda 323 vehicle. Within three hours of committing the first robbery, the suspects allegedly struck again, this time robbing a garage in Durban Street in Kariega.
According to police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, the vehicle drove into a garage in Rocklands in the Kabega Park policing precinct. There were five occupants in the vehicle of which three got out and pointed a rifle and 9mm pistol at the petrol attendants. Cash, keys, a card machine and the petrol attendants’ cell phones were taken. The vehicle then drove off towards Kariega.
While detectives were still attending to the complaint, they received information that the same vehicle was involved in another robbery at a garage in Kariega.
“It is alleged that at about 01:30 [yesterday] morning, SAPS Kariega members spotted the yellow Mazda 323 in Lower Drostdy. Backup was requested and with the assistance of SAPS Despatch members, seven suspects were arrested,” Naidu said. “The two firearms were also recovered. The suspects had already robbed the garage in Durban Road, taking cash and an energy drink,” she added.
“Ownership of both firearms is still to be established. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation.”
The suspects, all from KwaNobuhle, aged between 17 and 35 years old, are detained on two cases of business robbery and expected to appear in the Kariega Magistrates Court soon. Detectives are also probing their alleged involvement in another business robbery which took place in Cuyler Street in Kariega on Friday evening.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig. Thandiswa Kupiso, commended the members for the arrests and confiscation of the firearms.
“These criminals who went on a rampage since Friday have now been stopped and apprehended. We will be investigating their involvement to other cases in the metro. We will also be working closely with the prosecuting authority to ensure that bail is denied and that they remain behind bars until the completion of our investigations,” Kupiso said.
