According to police spokesperson Capt Thivhulawi Tshilate cases of business robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of hi-jacked motor vehicle and possession of stolen property have been opened. The suspects (aged 25 and 28 years respectively) were arrested by the Ekurhuleni East Cluster VISPOL Trio Task Team, shortly after the robbery.
“The suspects entered a Tuck Shop pretending to be customers, when one of them allegedly produced a firearm. The business owners who was at the time behind the cashier’s counter, was shot in the leg by one of the suspects. They cleared the cash register and took an undisclosed amount of airtime vouchers, before speeding off in the business owner’s white Toyota Camry,” Capt Tshilate said.
Members of the Trio Task Team were patrolling the Heidelberg policing area when they received an alert to be on the lookout for the stolen vehicle.
“The quick response of constables Joshua Ngobeni, Richard Mariri and Khomotso Mashianoke lead to the discovery of the stolen vehicle on the R23 next to Shalimar Ridge Shopping Complex.”
When Police signaled the driver to stop, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, but police gave chase and arrested the first suspect along Sager Street. Backup was later intensified and a search was extended around Shalimar Ridge residential area.
Community members also assisted the police and within minutes the second suspect was spotted while jumping a wall and in the process of fleeing, he sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body. Police confirmed that upon his arrest, a 9mm pistol with four live bullets were found in hispossession.
The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment under police guard and both are expected to appear in Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court soon.
