In a significant breakthrough, police in Gauteng, in collaboration with private security officers, successfully intercepted and arrested a gang of 44 men involved in a massive liquor heist.
The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the suspects caught loading liquor worth more than R15 million into four different trucks.
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The arrests followed a meticulously planned robbery at a warehouse in Kempton Park. Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, revealed that the police received a tip-off about the suspects’ plans to rob the warehouse where the liquor was stored.
Acting on this information, a coordinated team comprising members of the SAPS, Fidelity Specialised Service, CAP Specialised Service, and Tracksquad Security moved swiftly to apprehend the suspects.
According to Masondo, the team caught the suspects in the act of loading the liquor into the trucks. During the operation, two of the trucks, already loaded with the stolen goods, attempted to flee the scene.
A dramatic chase ensued, resulting in one of the trucks crashing on the R21 in Kempton Park. The other truck was located in Norkem Park, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
In addition to the arrests, police also seized two Volkswagen Polo vehicles that were allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
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The 44 suspects are scheduled to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple charges including business robbery, possession of stolen property, and illegal immigration.
This operation underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and private security in tackling organized crime. The successful interception and arrests are a testament to the effectiveness of such partnerships in ensuring public safety and upholding the law.
