Four arrested for ‘baby formula heist’

THE EKURHULENI Metro Police Department (EMPD) arrested four men shortly after the daring robbery of a supermarket in Kempton Park, where items including a number tins of baby formula were stolen.

A spokesperson for the EMPD, Lieutenant-Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, said the four men are aged between 27 and 35.

“On Friday, between 10am and 1pm, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s public order policing, the dog unit (K9), northern region task team and Kempton Park precinct officers conducted a high-density operation and four male suspects between the ages of 27 and 35 were apprehended,” said Thepa.

She said the operation was initiated after the EMPD received a tip-off about the robbery of a supermarket.

“As EMPD officers were busy at the corner of Highveld and Agony streets, they were approached by a disturbed passer-by who alleged that a supermarket had just been robbed, not far from the roving roadblock,” said Thepa.

She said EMPD officers were given the description of the vehicle that was used in the commission of the alleged robbery.

“Officers responded and while driving on Highveld Road, a blue Toyota Corolla hatchback fitting the description of the wanted vehicle with four male occupants was spotted. An attempt to stop the vehicle failed as the Toyota Corolla drove away,” said Thepa.

A high-speed chase ensued and the Toyota Corolla was later cornered.

“The Toyota Corolla and occupants were thoroughly searched and officers uncovered two smartphones, an undisclosed amount of cash, seven tins of baby formula, a 9mm pistol with serial numbers tampered with, plus live rounds,” said Thepa.

“The foursome, facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, reckless and negligent driving, possession of suspected stolen items and possible armed robbery, were handcuffed and marched to the Kempton Park police station,” said Thepa.

She added that the four men are set to appear before the Kempton Magistrate’s Court.