South Africa: 2 Zimbabweans, 5 SAPS Members Arrested Over A Violent Crime Wave

Two Zimbabweans and five serving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were arrested in a sting operation last week over a violent crime wave in Johannesburg’s Fordsburg area.

SAPS spokesperson for Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Xolani Fihle said the suspects were arrested following a tip-off. Fihle said in a statement:

Seven male suspects between 26 and 45 years of age were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (IIOC) Undercover Reaction Unit for conspiracy to commit a crime (robbery) and possession of three unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Fordsburg, Johannesburg.

On Wednesday November 16, 2022, officers received a tip-off about a group of individuals planning a robbery in the Fordsburg area using a white Volkswagen Golf 7 GTi and a maroon Volkswagen Polo and officers were deployed at strategic points in the area waiting for the suspects. Not long after the deployment, the said vehicles were identified and the takedown was initiated.

SAPS intercepted the suspects who were in a white Volkswagen Golf 7 GTi without front and back registration numbers.

Three male occupants were nabbed, leading to the recovery of an unlicensed 9mm pistol, a SAPS bulletproof vest, caps and badges.

It was discovered that the driver of the vehicle is a SAPS member.

SAPS also intercepted a second vehicle, a maroon Volkswagen Polo with four male occupants. Two unlicensed firearms, a revolver and a 9mm pistol were recovered.

The suspects have allegedly been robbing and terrorising communities in the Fordsburg and Mayfair areas for some time.

All the seven suspects were detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS where a case has been opened for further investigation.

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