Police apprehend five suspects involved in a dramatic jewellery heist at a Pretoria mall, following a high-speed chase and shootout.
Image: Supplied / SAPS
Five suspects have been arrested following a dramatic jewellery store robbery and subsequent hijacking that unfolded in Brooklyn, Tshwane, on Wednesday morning.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspects, aged between 32 and 38, targeted a jewellery store at a local shopping mall.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the robbery was carefully executed, with one of the suspects pretending to want to purchase items.
“One suspect posed as a customer before forcibly gaining entry. While one suspect damaged display cases, accomplices removed jewellery from the premises,” Sibeko said.
The suspects then fled the scene after hijacking a vehicle, triggering a coordinated response from law enforcement.
“A coordinated response by the SAPS Tshwane District Stabilisation Team, in collaboration with private security personnel, led to a pursuit and the suspects being intercepted and arrested in Pretoria Central CBD,” Sibeko confirmed.
The situation escalated during the pursuit, resulting in a shootout between police and the suspects.
“A shootout between the team and the suspects ensued and a security officer sustained gunshot injuries. He is receiving medical attention,” Sibeko said.
“Three of the suspects also sustained injuries and were transported to a medical facility under police guard.”
Authorities confirmed that the hijacked vehicle, a firearm with ammunition, and the stolen jewellery were recovered following the arrests.
SAPS praised the joint effort that led to the swift breakthrough in the case.
“SAPS commends the collaboration and swift response by all law enforcement and private security personnel involved, which resulted in the rapid apprehension of the suspects and recovery of stolen property,” Sibeko said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
IOL News