STATEMENT BY DOUGLASDALE COMMUNITY POLICING FORUM ON ARRESTS OF SAPS MEMBERS IN FOURWAYS
Following on the SAPS Press release earlier this evening on the apprehension of eight suspects after a foiled Cellphone Store Robbery in Fourways, further media releases by Fidelity Security Services have necessitated a response from the Douglasdale CPF.
“The Douglasdale CPF are deeply disappointed that several of our SAPS Douglasdale colleagues have been arrested today as part of a follow up on a foiled armed robbery in Fourways. The investigations are ongoing and we cannot comment further on such investigations and circumstances at this stage. Further releases from the SAPS will be made as and when deemed expedient so as not to interfere with the investigations.
The SAPS, with the full support of the CPF, are determined to root out any members who indulge in unlawful activity and to show that nobody is above the law. Well done to all SAPS Provincial Head Office Trio Unit members and other Commanders and members of SAPS Douglasdale for their dedication and diligence in today’s operations – we applaude their diligence and commitment to the integrity in the Police Force that you showed and upheld while protecting our communities and its people.
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE, GAUTENG
For immediate release
Date 2017-09-28
EIGHT SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER FOILED CELLPHONE STORE ROBBERY
JOHANNESBURG – A joint intelligence-driven operation has led to the successful apprehension of eight suspects prior to the commission of the crime, following the foiled robbery of a cellphone store at the Fourways Mall in the north of Johannesburg.
On Thursday 28 September 2017, security officers at the said mall spotted and apprehended one suspect. Members of the Gauteng Provincial Trio Task Team then followed the other suspects who were driving in three vehicles, a BMW, Hyundai and a Polo. Four suspects were arrested after the police members stopped and searched the vehicles on the N1, also recovering unlicensed firearms.
Three further suspects, South African Police Service officers, have since been arrested on suspicion of having been party to the foiled robbery. Police are investigating the circumstances around the three’s proximity to the incident.
Further investigation is underway to establish whether or not the suspects could be linked to other cellphone store robberies, or any other crimes. The investigation will also look into whether more officers and/or suspects could be involved.
“While the arrest of our own is a slap in the face of the Police Service, it is at the same time commendable that they were arrested by courageous officers who are committed to fighting crime, even if that means putting behind bars our own members,” said the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner in welcoming the arrest.
All eight suspects will be appearing in Court in due course.
Enquiries: Brigadier Mathapelo Peters
Provincial Head: Corporate Communication
South African Police Service, Gauteng
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