Metro cops stop gang of robbers from getting away with murder

Two Johannesburg metro police officers have managed to prevent a robbery that could have turned really ugly‚ city officials said on Thursday.

The officers stopped a gang of armed robbers from getting away with murder‚ said Public Safety MMC Michael Sun. But that never happened‚ thanks to the smarts of the two officers.

The officers noticed a suspicious-looking white BMW parked at the Langlaagte Driving Licence and Testing Centre on Wednesday. It turned out that the licence disc did not match the number plate. When they took a closer look through the vehicle’s tinted windows‚ the officers saw a rifle wrapped in clothing. The officers immediately called for backup.

“After confirming their suspicion‚ the officers managed to get into the vehicle and discovered one AK47 with 55 rounds of ammunition and one 9mm pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition‚ and 42 rounds of ammunition in spare magazines‚” the city said in a statement.

“The vehicle is confirmed to be stolen in Johannesburg. It is believed that the vehicle and the fire arms were left in the Langlaagte DLTC to attract minimal attention in preparation for an armed robbery in the Inner City of Joburg and surrounds.”

Sun said: “We need to be more vigilant than ever before. If it was not for the vigilance of the JMPD officers and quick reaction‚ a gang of armed robbers could have gotten away with murder.” The vehicle‚ illegal firearms and ammunition have been handed over to the SAPS for further investigation.

Residents can report any suspicious activities to JMPD on (011) 375 5911.