Cape Town – Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for a group of heavily armed thieves who robbed a jeweller in the East Rand area, stealing gold and diamond jewellery worth millions of rand on Sunday.
Two of the eight suspects were apprehended after a high-speed chase that began at the East Rand Mall and ended in Alexandra township, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said, according to News24.
The police recovered high-caliber firearms, ammunition, four getaway cars, and explosive devices.
The remaining six suspects escaped with a large bag and a shopping trolley filled with stolen jewellery, the report said.
CCTV footage circulated on social media showed the suspects fleeing the mall.
Jewellery store apparently robbed. Scores of shots fired with AK47s. https://t.co/Hlz25dbTxG pic.twitter.com/fj3xUM9zkK
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 18, 2023
The suspects held up store employees at gunpoint, emptied the shelves, and fired shots randomly as they escaped, said the report.
The arrested suspects will face charges including business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of a suspected hijacked vehicle.
The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation and capture of the remaining suspects.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
