Cellphones, laptops, money and computer boxes were taken.
A former cop and 3 others have been arrested for armed robbery at the Ilanga Mall in Mbombela.
The former cop who held the rank of sergeant is still to be named once he has appeared in court.
The incident happened at the mall at around 8 on Monday morning.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said security guards cornered the men then called the police who immediately arrived to arrest them.
The four men had two guns…
Mohlala said the armed men entered the shop and tied the workers with cable ties and took cellphones, laptops, money and computer boxes.
One worker who was in a bathroom heard the hostage drama and silently called the security guards.
When the armed men tried to run away in a white Toyota Corolla Quest, the guards swooped and cornered them.
“The vehicle the suspects were travelling with didn’t have number plates nor a license disk,” Mohlala said.
“The police in Nelspruit was notified and went immediately to the scene. When they were arrested, the suspects were found in possession of property suspected to have been stolen during the robbery, including two laptops, cash and computer monitors. Two firearms with ammunition were also seized from the suspects,” he said.
They are charged with business robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property as well as contravention of Traffic Laws, after driving the said vehicle without number plates, licence disk and without a valid driver’s licence. The suspects are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon.
Police provincial boss Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela thanked the guards at the mall.
“We have been emphasising the importance of collaborated efforts in the fight against crime, including tackling business robberies and we are grateful for the efforts displayed by our partners which gives courage that this war is winnable,” said Manamela.
(edited by ZK)
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