Police on Wednesday said they hoped to link the alleged mastermind of the so-called Rolex Gang to more violent crimes in Gauteng.

Kelvin Ludidi was spotted at the Morningside Clinic on Wednesday afternoon and police gave chase through Sandton's streets.

They caught up with him on West Street and shot him in the arm.

The Rolex Gang is believed to be responsible for several high-profile driveway robberies.

People who were targeted include socialite Edith Venter, divorce lawyer Billy Gundlefinger and Discovery Health's Adrian Gore.

The gang would follow people from shopping centres and rob their targets of jewellery, watches and expensive cars.

Police said Ludidi's arrest was a major breakthrough in the war on crime syndicates.

Authorities first denied the gang's existence but on Wednesday the police finally admitted and identified Ludidi as the gang's alleged leader.