Suspects arrested with SAPS-branded jacket, gas gun after Malvern robbery - IOL
The two suspects were found in possession of a gas gun, a jacket bearing SAPS insignia, a balaclava, and a bag containing suspected cannabis.
Two men who were linked to a police-impersonation case in Chatsworth were arrested after they allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint at a shopping centre in Malvern.
The men were apprehended by members of Blue Security shortly after the robbery on Sunday.
A report by Blue Security said the men were travelling in a silver Datsun Go when they robbed the man at gunpoint.
When security officers stopped the vehicle, the two suspects were found in possession of a gas gun, a jacket bearing SAPS insignia, a balaclava, and a bag containing suspected cannabis.
Kevin Pillay, chairperson of the Malvern Community Policing Forum (CPF), said police linked the men and the vehicle to other reported incidents, including an alleged SAPS impersonation case in Chatsworth.
“We commend the excellent work and swift response by Blue Security, Duncan Security, Malvern SAPS, the Chatsworth SAPS Tracing Team and other security role players following information received regarding an alleged armed robbery.
“This incident once again demonstrates the importance of acting quickly on information and working together.
“We have consistently promoted a culture of collaboration, information sharing and partnership policing. No single organisation can address crime on its own. When residents, businesses, private security and SAPS share information and respond quickly, we significantly improve our ability to identify suspects, prevent further offences and bring matters before the criminal justice system,” he said.
Pillay appealed to business owners to open cases when crime occurred, despite concerns about disruptions due to bad publicity. “This is an important concern affecting our local business community. We have repeatedly encountered situations where some businesses, including certain small supermarkets and convenience stores, are reluctant to open formal criminal cases after being robbed.
“Whether this reluctance is due to fear, concerns about business disruption or other reasons, this trend must stop.
“A robbery should not simply be regarded as a cost of doing business. Every incident that is not formally reported can make it more difficult for SAPS to identify crime patterns, connect suspects to multiple offences and build cases against repeat offenders.
“We therefore appeal to all business owners and managers, regardless of their background or nationality, to report criminal incidents and cooperate with SAPS investigations,” he said.
He said landlords also had an important role to play and should ensure that tenants operating businesses from their properties understand the importance of lawful conduct, proper reporting and cooperation with law enforcement.
“Our message is simple: report crime, share information and work with the authorities,” Pillay added.
