Seven suspects arrested for terrorizing the community

Residents of Fordsburg and surroundings will breathe a sigh of relief after seven suspects aged between 26 and 45 years old, suspected to be behind a reign of terror that include robberies and illegal possession of unlicensed firearms, were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police (JMPD) recently.

On Wednesday, November 16, 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.

In a media statement, JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, stated that 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.

“The white Volkswagen Golf 7 GTi without front and back registration numbers was intercepted. When stopped, three male occupants were found inside the vehicle. The vehicle and suspects were searched, an unlicensed 9mm pistol with the serial number filed off, a SAPS bulletproof vest, caps and badges were recovered. Whilst searching it was discovered by the officers that the driver of the vehicle is an SAPS member,” Fihla explained.

The second vehicle (Polo) was also intercepted and stopped.

Four male occupants were found inside the vehicle. Two unlicensed firearms, a revolver and a 9mm pistol with the serial numbers filed off were recovered.

Further scrutiny indicated that the suspects have been robbing and terrorizing the community of Fordsburg and Mayfair for a lengthy period.

The statement further indicated that all seven suspects which included five South African and two Zimbabwean nationals were detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS where a case docket has been opened for further investigation.