Suspected crime gang kingpin nabbed

An alleged kingpin who led a gang of robbers and murderers on a crime spree in the Wierdabrug policing area, has been arrested, together with two other suspects.

Police believe the suspect could be linked to murders, including shooting victims in the head at pointblank range, attempted murders and robberies in Olievenhoutbosch, Diepsloot and the broader Wierdabrug area.

Colonel Alida Esterhuizen of the Wierdabrug police said crime intelligence members tracked down the suspect in Diepsloot yesterday.

He was in a car with two other men. Realising the police were closing in on them, the three apparently opened fire, with police retaliating and overpowering the suspects.

They were arrested for attempted murder for firing at the police and the unlawful possession of firearms.

Forensic tests, including DNA and ballistic tests, will be done to determine how many crime incidents the kingpin could be linked to.

“These men operate as part of a group and we believe the wanted suspect was the kingpin.

“He might be linked to various armed robberies, house robberies and shootings in our area.

“He has already been implicated in a murder by other evidence,” said Esterhuizen.

The suspects were detained at Wierdabrug Police station after their arrest.

They were later transferred to Diepsloot police station.

They are expected to appear in court tomorrow. - Pretoria News