Last night a police team arrested two suspects allegedly linked to an armed robbery at the Irene Village Mall, as a result of which Protea Coin managing director and former police officer Jaco Pretorius were fatally wounded.
The arrests were carried out in Hillbrow after a car chase just after 21h00. Police had been relentlessly tracking the gang for almost 12 hours after the attempted armed robbery at a Stern's store and the subsequent murder of Pretorius when he tried to assist a security guard in pursuit of a suspect.
The first suspect was arrested at the scene of the shooting and a 38 revolver was recovered. Last night, during the arrest of the other two suspects, police recovered a pistol and a silver Jetta motor vehicle which is believed to have been used during the botched hold up.
As police investigations continue, it is possible that further arrests will be affected. The suspects will appear in court in Pretoria on Friday. All police members involved in the investigation and arrests are to be commended on a thorough and diligent investigation.
Enquiries:
Director Sally de Beer
Tel: 012 393 1574
Cell: 082 779 8658
E-mail debeers@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
6 August 2009
