‘Merc Gang’ hits may be related

871 Screen grab of robbers blocking a car as the family arrives at their home in Malberton. 120514. Picture: Frame Grab

871 Screen grab of robbers blocking a car as the family arrives at their home in Malberton. 120514. Picture: Frame Grab

Published May 23, 2014

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Johannesburg - Joburg police are investigating whether the so-called Silver Mercedes Gang incidents in the southern suburbs are related to those in Blairgowrie, Randburg.

Last week, three families were hit by the alleged gang in Randburg. In one incident, a man was shot while driving into his yard in Malanshof.

Police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale said: “The complainant had just arrived at his residence. He had driven into his garage when he saw vehicle lights behind him. Then he noticed three suspects, two (of them were) armed.

“One suspect fired a shot at the complainant. The suspects then took his keys and fled the scene with the complainant’s dog. He was taken to hospital for medical attention.”

She said Linden police were investigating a case of house robbery and attempted murder.

In another case, the robbers fled a Blairgowrie house with a couple’s phones, laptop, wedding rings and a jacket.

Last week, The Star revealed that the gang, who have been given their name because of the C-class Mercedes-Benz they use in some of the incidents, have been targeting Joburg’s Glenvista, Mulbarton and Brackendowns communities.

The men wait for people to exit their homes, usually at sunset, parking them in their driveways before holding them up with guns and forcing them back into their homes, where they rob them of their valuables.

Mogale said the province was looking into whether the incidents were related. If this was the case, they would be centralised.

She said the police stations were investigating.

 

“Currently, cases of robbery with a firearm, hijacking of a motor vehicle and house robbery are being investigated by Brackendowns police and cases of house robbery and robbery with a firearm have been opened for investigation in Mondeor,” said Mogale.

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The Star

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