A BREAKTHROUGH was made on Saturday when six suspects alleged to have robbed a cellphone business in a shopping complex in Richards Bay, were arrested.
In a joint operation by various units such Business Against Crime, Nedstar Tracker and neighbourhood watch members, the suspects were reportedly arrested in Newcastle where all the cellphones taken during the robbery were recovered.
According to a witness, at about 8.20am on Saturday morning an employer was working in the shop together with his colleagues when they were approached by five suspects.
The suspects allegedly pointed firearms at the employer and instructed him to load cellphones in two bags belonging to the suspects.
They thereafter instructed the employer to fetch more cellphones and demanded cash.
The suspects then fled the scene in their BMW getaway vehicle with cellphones, tablets and an undisclosed amount of cash.
A case of business robbery was opened at Richards Bay police station.
Police as well as other law enforcement agencies were alerted and a description of the getaway vehicle provided.
Information was received that such a vehicle was spotted travelling between Newcastle and Utrecht and a roadblock was set up near Newcastle at about 8.30pm on the same day.
Acting on information of a vehicle switch, a Toyota Quantum was stopped and searched and all cellphones suspected to be taken during the robbery were recovered.
Six suspects in the vehicle were arrested and charged with business robbery.
Later the BMW used as the getaway vehicle was found abandoned at Vryheid.
The arrested suspects, aged between 29 and 36, will appear in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court soon.
Meanwhile, investigating officer, CT Magubane has urged anyone who may have witnessed or obtained information about the robbery, to contact him on 035 9012419.
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