Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group has commended the actions of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Fidelity reaction officers which saw the apprehension of seven suspects who had just robbed a jewellery shop in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, on Tuesday 22 October 2024 just before 14:00.
Bartmann says at this time of year it is often “shopping season” for these syndicates and he hopes this will send out a strong message. Bartmann says Fidelity officers were patrolling the mall when they reported a robbery in progress, immediately calling for backup and notifying the local South African Police Services (SAPS).
According to the SAPS official report eight armed suspects stormed the jewellery shop at Clearwater Mall and held the employees at gunpoint while they robbed the shop of a substantial amount of jewellery.
When the suspects tried to flee the area with bags of jewellery, Fidelity Air support was called in to assist the on-the-ground law enforcement. The suspects started shooting at the law enforcement officers and a shootout ensued. Seven of the suspects were ultimately intercepted by the police and Fidelity officers as well as other private security officers from the area.
Four suspects were cornered and arrested at Christiaan De Wet Road, just opposite the mall and three were injured. “Two police officers were also injured during the shootout. One police officer was treated at the scene while the other police officer was taken to a local medical care centre in a serious but stable condition,” notes SAPS.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni attributed these arrests to the collaboration between the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department and Private Security companies. “I would like to thank all the law enforcement agencies who worked together to ensure that the suspects are arrested and firearms recovered soon after the commission of crime. These arrests should send a message to all the criminals that law enforcement agencies are ready for them this festive season” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.
Bartmann concurs saying collaboration between law enforcement is key, particularly at this time of year. “Yesterday all stakeholders in the West Rand worked together, collaborated and successfully to arrest the perpetrators.”
SAPS confirmed the arrested suspects are expected to appear before Roodepoort Magistrate Court in due course, facing charges that include business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.
