JMPD K9 Unit Nabs Eight Suspects, Recovers Stolen Property and Firearms in Swift Response to Armed Robbery in the Johannesburg CBD
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) K9 Unit successfully apprehended eight suspects, recovered stolen property and firearms following an armed robbery at a liquor store in the Johannesburg CBD on Friday, 27 June 2025.
Whilst conducting routine crime prevention duties in the inner city officers received a complaint regarding a business robbery in progress at a Shoprite Liquor outlet on End Street. Upon arrival, the suspects had already fled the scene.
The officers reviewed surveillance footage, obtaining crucial descriptions of the suspects. A vigilant member of the public then approached the officers, providing a detailed description of the getaway vehicle, including its direction of travel and the number of suspects observed.
Acting on this vital information, officers immediately mobilised, heading towards the Hillbrow area. Their swift and coordinated efforts paid off when they spotted a silver Hyundai Accent matching the description of the vehicle involved in the robbery, parked on Claim and Goldrich Street.
Officers observed eight male occupants – four inside the vehicle and four standing alongside it, with a white and green maize meal bag between them. JMPD members moved in swiftly, cornering all suspects and securing the scene.
A thorough search of the suspects and the maize meal bag yielded significant results. Three unlicensed firearms with four live 9mm rounds were recovered. The maize meal bag was found to contain bottles of whiskey confirmed to be stolen from Shoprite Liquor at End Street.
Further investigation revealed that the arrested suspects are linked to at least two other business robberies, at Shoprite Hillbrow and the Shoprite Liquor at End Street.
Preliminary findings also indicate that some of the suspects are wanted in connection with other armed robbery cases.
“This successful operation highlights the dedication and rapid response of our JMPD K9 Unit members,” said JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca. “Their quick thinking, combined with valuable assistance from the community, led to the arrest of these suspects and the recovery of stolen goods and dangerous weapons. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our residents and businesses in Johannesburg.”
The suspects were detained at Hillbrow SAPS with charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and stolen property. They are expected to appear in court soon.
