Police have arrested two more suspects in Limpopo on Friday 24 May 2019, and in Mpumalanga on Saturday 25 May 2019 respectively, in connection with the robbery of US students and attempted murder of a bystander at Viva Foundation School in Mamelodi two weeks ago.
The intelligence-driven operation will continue as police are optimistic that it is only a matter of time until the remaining suspects are arrested.
Both suspects are due in court on Monday 27 May 2019, pending confirmation of the court.
Read initial statement below
Management of police in Gauteng has commended the multi-faceted investigating team for ensuring the prompt arrest of a suspect linked to the armed robbery of international students this past Monday. The team was tasked by the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenent General Elias Mawela to work around the clock and mobilise all necessary resources towards the apprehension of suspects involved in the robbery of 18 students and their professors who were on an outreach visit at Viva Foundation School in Lusaka, Mamelodi East.
A group of five suspects allegedly accosted the students on their arrival at the school and robbed them of personal belongings, fleeing the scene in a Toyota Quantum and leaving behind a member of the public shot and injured; and a school employee assaulted.
A day after the incident, intelligence led the team of investigators to a car-wash spot in Phase 3, Mamelodi East where a Toyota Quantum matching the description of the one used during the robbery, was found.
The vehicle was processed, leading to the discovery of crucial evidence through which police were able to confirm that the taxi had been used during the commission of the armed robbery.
Further investigation led to the apprehension of a 30-year old male suspect on Thursday night, 16 May 2019 at Pienaarspoort informal settlement in Mamelodi East. Police are hot on the heels of outstanding suspects and believe that it is only a matter of time before they are found and arrested.
The suspect is facing charges of business robbery, attempted murder and assault; and will appear before the Pretoria Magistrate Court on Monday, 20 May 2019.
Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has urged the investigating team to maintain the momentum and only rest once the remaining suspects are found and brought to book.
“Criminals must understand that we mean business. They cannot be terrorising our communities, let alone children as well as visitors to our country, and think they can get away with it. We will not rest until we are convinced that serious and violent crime is a thing of the past”, said the Provincial Commissioner, commending the members for
