Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest of Ten Following R1m Baywest Mall Robbery

The South African Police Services (SAPS) delivered swift justice after ten suspects were apprehended just hours following a major jewellery store heist at Baywest Mall in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The robbery, which saw an estimated R1 million in jewellery stolen, was quickly solved due to the relentless efforts of the SAPS investigators.

The marathon race against time started with an urgent tip-off to the police that the alleged heist gang were in transit to Gauteng in two distinct vehicles. Acting on this intelligence, a collaborative operation consisting of the SAPS Cradock Vispol members, SAPS Cookhouse Highway Patrol, SAPS Cradock K9, and an unnamed private security firm, initiated way-lay duties with effective results.

Colonel Priscilla Naidu, Provincial Police spokesperson, reported that around 21:45, the police stopped a white VW Polo about 10km from Cradock. Five males were promptly arrested, followed by the seizure of two firearms. Subsequently, a maroon VW Polo was also flagged down, resulting in another five males being detained. Two additional firearms were confiscated, and the stolen jewellery was successfully recovered.

Upon further investigation, Crime Intelligence Eastern Cape revealed that the ten apprehended suspects are part of a syndicate tied to multiple robberies in Gauteng, North West, and other criminal activities in KZN. The suspects, now in custody, face charges of illegal possession of firearms and suspected stolen property. Ongoing investigations may yield additional charges as detectives probe deeper into their potential involvement in the jewellery heist.

Naidu confirmed that the suspects would appear in court soon for their alleged offences.