Tsakane – Three men were arrested after police stopped them after an unsuccessful ATM bombing in Heidelberg on Tuesday morning.
They were arrested on the R23 road just next to the N3 highway in Heidelberg.
It is alleged the trio had earlier attacked and robbed the Shoprite Centre in Ratanda, where they had tied up the security guards and robbed them of a firearm and unsuccessfully tried to blow up an ATM with explosives.
Also read:
Man arrested for rape of 10 year old
Duduza police spokesperson Sgt Harry Manaka says the police were alerted of the suspicious-looking vehicle at the Shoprite and responded quickly to the scene.
“The suspects drove off in a Range Rover and a high-speed chase ensued between them and the police.
“The suspects then abandoned the vehicle after it broke down.
“The suspects then attempted to hijack a passing Ford Bantam and shot at the driver five times.
“The brave driver was not injured and did not stop, but drove away and alerted the traffic police a few kilometres away, who also joined the chase,” he explains.
Manaka adds the suspects’ luck ran out when they attempted to hijack a second vehicle, but also failed as the driver also fled.
“They then fled on foot and hid in the bush.
“The police chased after them and set the bush alight, leading to the suspects running out and being cornered and arrested by the police,” he says.
Also read:
New licence test and lower speed limits on the way
The police recovered four firearms and explosives that were in their possession.
They are facing charges ranging from business robbery, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
They will appear at the Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Follow us on:
