KwaThema – On January 14 at 2.05am a petrol station on Nkosi Street was robbed.
It is reported that 15 suspects entered the premises and blocked off the entrance to the garage.
They then opened fire, shooting two members of the public.
Two members of the SAPS were stationary in the parking area of the petrol station and saw the incident unfold.
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The two took cover under the unmarked SAPS vehicle as suspects walked around gathering the patrons and held them at gunpoint.
One of the suspects saw one of the constable’s boots sticking out and pulled him from underneath the vehicle and took his firearm.
The suspects then held him at gunpoint along with the rest of the public members.
The other constable was not found hiding underneath the vehicle and managed to send a WhatsApp message asking for backup.
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Two of the suspects entered the shop and set up the drop safe with explosives.
The safe was blown open and the cash estimated at R100 000 was taken.
Three vehicles were used by the suspects: a VW Golf, a Mercedes Benz and Nissan NP200.
The Nissan was left on the scene.
Later three suspects were arrested by Vaalrand Rapid Response.
One of the suspects was wounded in the lower leg by a SAPS member. The wounded suspect was taken to Pholosong hospital.
Two firearms were also recovered, including the firearm taken from one of the constables during his apprehension by the suspects.
Captain Thabo Sibuyi appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of the other suspects.
