File
Eastern Cape police arrested ten suspects just hours after they robbed a jewellery store in the Baywest Mall in Gqeberha, taking jewellery worth an estimated R1 million.
Provincial Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the arrests were made on Wednesday night near Cradock.
She said this was after investigators got information that the robbery gang was making their way to Gauteng in two vehicles.
"A team comprising of SAPS Cradock Vispol members, SAPS Cookhouse Highway patrol, SAPS Cradock K9 and a private security company, held way-lay duties," she said.
Naidu said at about 21:45, police stopped a white VW Polo about 10km before Cradock and five males were arrested and two firearms were recovered.
"Shortly afterwards, a maroon VW Polo was also stopped and a further five males were arrested. Two more firearms were confiscated and the stolen jewellery recovered."
Police said Crime Intelligence Eastern Cape confirms that the arrested suspects are part of a syndicate linked to robberies that took place in Gauteng, North West and other crimes in KZN.
"The 10 suspects are detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms and possession of suspected stolen property. Detectives are busy investigating their involvement in the jewellery heist," Naidu added.
She said additional charges may be added later, and the suspects are due to appear in court soon.
