Serial robber awaits sentencing
ALEXANDRA – Serial robber in court for failed robbery, possession of stolen car and unlawful firearm. Find out more here.
A robber (48), living in Pretoria, was remanded in custody by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court, pending further investigation for an attempted robbery while in possession of a vehicle reported stolen on 15 September last year during a robbery at a Morningside house.
The accused’s previous convictions included theft committed in 1986 and pointing an illegal gun in 1987 for which he served sentences; robbery and attempted murder in 1988 for which he served eight years; another eight-year sentence for a robbery committed in 1989; and a six-year sentence for a robbery committed in 1991.
The court heard that at 12.45pm on 24 November last year, police were informed of a Mercedes Benz with false number plates and three occupants in Lombardy East. The men were said to be on the prowl and plotting to commit a crime.
The police found the car and when its driver noticed they were being followed he sped off, which resulted in a high-speed chase that ended in Alexandra after the driver had lost control of the vehicle when it bumped against a kerb, hit and injured three pedestrians and came to a halt.
The occupants exited the vehicle and two suspects fled the scene. However, the driver was arrested after he had tripped and lost control of the firearm, which the police recovered and found loaded. Its serial number was filed off.
Police searched the car and found three more loaded guns with their serial numbers filed off, a jammer, a grinder, gloves, a balaclava and safety boots. The car was checked and found to be reported stolen during the Morningside house robbery.
The accused is suspected to have been part of a gang that robbed the house at 6.30pm. They allegedly jammed the gate and ,with guns, pounced on the victims when they opened it manually. They stole the victims’ personal possessions, ransacked and stole other household items before locking the victims in the house and disappearing in the Mercedes Benz valued at R250 000.
His accomplices are wanted by the police.
The case continues.
