A suspected burglar was shot dead and another was arrested in Brakpan North this morning (Monday) after an attempted house break-in.
The men had attempted to break into 68-year-old Ephraim Mvelase’s home along Chevalier Street.
They were seen on the property by a neighbour, who then contacted Ephraim’s wife Thenjiwe (43).
“No one was at home, I was at the municipality when my wife phoned to tell me someone was breaking into our house,” said Ephraim, who has lived at the address for more than 20 years.
“I had walked there and after receiving the call, I was walking home when I managed to stop a passing police car.
“I told the officer about what was happening and it turned out that he was on his way to my house.”
Members of the Brakpan Anti-Hijacking Task Team received a complaint of a house robbery in progress just before 11am and rushed to the address.
Upon their arrival, they spotted the two men, who then fled into the veld bordering the back of the property.
Police gave chase and were joined by members of the EMPD.
A police chopper was also dispatched to help find the men.
According to police members at the scene, shots were fired at the pursuing officers, who returned fire.
One of the men was fatally wounded, while the other, aged 24, was apprehended by W/O Jan Roos from the Anti-Hijacking Task Team.
A garden fork and spade, which are believed to have been used by the pair to pry open a security gate and the bathroom window’s burglar bars, were found on the property, near the kitchen door.
Members of the Brakpan Radio Group were thanked for their involvement on the scene.
Also read: Dalpark resident shoots suspected robber
Cornered robbery suspects open fire
Police round up business robbery gang
