Clearwater Mall, Johannesburg - October 22, 2024
A dramatic jewelry heist at Clearwater Mall ended with the swift arrest of seven suspects following a thrilling shootout with police. The armed robbery targeted a high-end jewelry store, where eight suspects stormed the premises and held employees at gunpoint, making off with a substantial amount of jewelry. One of the suspects, wounded during the shootout, has now been identified as a dancer for a popular Durban-based DJ, adding an unexpected twist to the case.
The heist took place in broad daylight, as eight heavily armed suspects raided the store, holding employees at gunpoint before fleeing with an undisclosed quantity of jewelry. Police and private security forces, including Fidelity Air Support, responded quickly, pursuing the suspects in a high-stakes operation.
Brave police officers engaged the suspects in a shootout, successfully arresting seven of them while recovering four firearms and some of the stolen jewelry. One suspect was wounded during the exchange of gunfire and later arrested.
Today at Clear Water Mall pic.twitter.com/i3BWeQUMe2
— Raisibe (@Patricia_Bantom) October 22, 2024
In a shocking revelation, the wounded suspect has been identified as a dancer for one of Durban’s popular DJs. While the suspect’s name cannot be released until he appears in court, sources confirm that he hails from KwaMashu, a crime-ridden township in the north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The connection of one of the suspects to Durban’s music scene has sparked further intrigue, with many expressing disbelief that a well-known dancer could be involved in such a brazen crime. The revelation adds a layer of complexity to the investigation as police continue their search for the one remaining suspect still at large.
The Minister of Police commended the swift, coordinated response from the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, SAPS, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and private security teams. The recovery of firearms and some of the stolen jewelry has been hailed as a crucial victory for law enforcement, though investigations are still ongoing.
Clearwater Mall remains open to the public, though the targeted jewelry store has been closed pending further investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the final suspect to come forward.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and private security forces in keeping communities safe, even when shocking connections to high-profile individuals are revealed.
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