The Crime Combating Task Team in the Free State, deployed in Eastern Mangaung Metro Stations, foiled an armed robbery, which was planned against a business in Botshabelo Industrial Area. Intelligence was received about a group of robbers targeting businesses where bonuses were to be paid to employees on specific dates.
A red Fiat Punto was identified and pulled over tactically by the police near Botshabelo Traffic Department on route to Industrial Area. The five male occupants and the motor vehicle were searched, and the police seized three firearms with filed off serial numbers; two butcher knives, a chisel, pliers, four balaclavas, industrial gloves and surgical masks. Five suspects, aged between 29 and 38, were immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and housebreaking implements.
The suspects were also positively linked to a house robbery at E-Section Botshabelo where they robbed victims of their cellphones, laptop and car keys. The five suspects are expected to appear in Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court soon.
