The incidents occurred on Sunday (16/11) at Northridge Mall and Mimosa Mall just hours apart, in broad daylight. Two suspects were arrested on Tuesday night (18/11)  following a brief shootout with law enforcement at the Vaal Plaza toll gate.

Both were injured and received medical treatment in the hospital under police guard. They have since been discharged. 

Police spokesperson Capt. Lorraine Earle previously said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspects may be connected to other incidents. 

“A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the recovery of three firearms, two 9mm pistols and an AK-47 rifle, along with ammunition and jewellery believed to have been stolen during the recent robberies.”

“The possibility the firearms could be involved in other crimes is being investigated,” said Free State Hawks spokesperson Zweli Mohobeleli. 

“Police are still investigating whether the jewellery that was seized was stolen in the two robberies in Bloemfontein on Sunday.”

At about 09:45, six men stormed Jewel Craft in Northridge Mall. They allegedly forced the owner and employees to sit on the floor before emptying the till and filling bags with jewellery.

Robbers fleeing with a bag full of jewellery at Northridge Mall. Photo: Screenshot/Video

The suspects fled in a white Suzuki Amaze, taking jewellery valued at roughly R250,000. A case of business robbery was opened at Bayswater police station.

At 12:21, HDL Jewellers in Mimosa Mall was robbed by five armed men. Employees were again threatened with firearms and ordered to lie on the floor while the robbers took jewellery and an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects were all wearing black hats and surgical masks.

They fled in three vehicles: a white BMW, a white Volkswagen Golf 7, and a white Mercedes-Benz. Two shots were fired inside the shop, but no injuries were reported. A business robbery case was opened at Parkweg police station.

The entrance at Mimosa Mall was closed by police and emergency personnel. Photo: Facebook/Mpandulo Lawrance

The robbers who robbed the jewellery stores in Bloemfontein could be linked to a robbery at the Walmer Park shopping centre in Gqeberha that happened on Tuesday, on the day of the arrests.

The Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt. Majola Nkohli, said at least three vehicles were involved in the robbery, and one of the vehicles was heading in the direction of Bloemfontein.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg