“I was standing here, checking the cars. The next moment, I heard shots and ran to Edgars as fast as I could to get away,” one of the regular parking guards in Flint Street, known only as Johannes, told the Herald shortly after the havoc that transpired at around 10:30.
According to Carletonville police’s communication officer, WO Peter Masooa, the security officer at Markhams opposite Merafong’s main municipal building was on duty at the door when two men stormed up to him.
“They demanded to enter the shop and then instructed him to go to the storeroom with the staff and customers,” says Masooa.
The suspects then asked to see the store manager, who was busy in an online meeting in his office. They demanded the keys to the safe while the other suspects were packing clothing and cell phones into bags.
Unbeknown to the manager, other participants in the online meeting heard what was going on in the background and immediately alerted the police.
He suddenly heard people screaming outside as the police entered the shop. The suspects started shooting at the police, who then retaliated. A suspect was shot in the shop; another three were arrested while running away.
Two of the thugs were shot; a third managed to run away but police caught up with him in the parking lot of Star Hyper.
One suspect evaded arrest and is still at large. The police confiscated three handguns.
The robbers were shot in the hand, stomach and lower leg respectively and taken to Carletonville and Leratong hospitals, where they were treated under police custody.
“We will not allow lawlessness to rule our town. This is just the beginning of what will happen to criminals who take chances in our space. We will do whatever it takes to secure our area. Numerous clothing stores have been targeted in the past. We will check these suspects to find out if they are implicated in other cases,” says the station commander, Brigadier Marinda Theron. She urged members of the public always to stay away from scenes where the police are working.
“Sometimes, during shooting, stray bullets could hit innocent or curious onlookers. When caught up in a store robbery, obey the suspect’s orders. Don’t be stubborn and you will save your life,” she advised. “We thank our members who acted with an urgent and tactical response to overcome the suspects and retain order and trust within our community.”
According to Masooa, the suspects would appear before the Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 20 October. Although they have been charged with business robbery, other charges may be added. As far as could be determined, the robbers come from Lawley near Lenasia and Primrose in Johannesburg.
