SAPS
Seven suspects are in police custody following an armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort on Tuesday.
According to police, eight armed suspects stormed into the shop holding the employees at gunpoint.
A substantial amount of jewellery was stolen and shoved into a bag before they tried to flee the mall.
Police and private security officers intercepted the gang as they were leaving and a shootout with police ensued.
Four suspects were cornered and arrested just opposite the mall where SAPS recovered two firearms and some of the stolen goods.
SAPS followed the other suspects to Dobsonville where three more were arrested with two more firearms.
Two police officers and three suspects were injured during the shootout.
One SAPS member was treated at the scene and taken to a local medical centre where he is in a serious but stable condition.
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.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before Roodepoort Magistrate's Court in due course, facing charges that include business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.
One suspect remains at large.
