By Staff Writer
Free State- The gun wielding suspects have been arrested for a string of armed robberies targeting jewellery stores in Bloemfontein this past weekend.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint police operation at the Vaal Plaza tollgate at around 23:00 on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The Free State Provincial police spokesperson, Lorraine Earle said the operation followed a lookout for a vehicle allegedly linked to an armed robbery in Bloemfontein earlier this week.
Members of the Fezile Dabi TRIO Task Team, the District Organised Crime Combatting Unit (DOCC), Highway Patrol, and private security partners intercepted the vehicle.
Earle said the suspects attempted to evade arrest and one allegedly pointed a firearm at officers, leading to a shootout. “Both suspects, aged between 27 and 35, sustained injuries and received on-scene medical attention before being transported to hospital under police guard. Fortunately, no officers were injured,” she said.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was notified, as required by law.
A search of the vehicle uncovered three firearms — two 9mm pistols and an AK-47 rifle — along with ammunition and jewellery believed to have been stolen during recent robberies. The crime scene was processed and investigations are under way to determine whether the suspects can be linked to additional cases.
The Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane has since praised the coordinated efforts of all units involved, saying the arrests and seizure of dangerous weapons had likely prevented further violent crimes.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
