On Saturday, July 23, a suspect allegedly shot himself after realising he was cornered by community members soon after he committed an armed robbery at Madonsi Xikhulu village. The suspect (29) armed with a pistol reportedly entered the local spaza shop at about 17:45 and demanded cash from the owner. During the confrontation, a customer noticed what was happening and alerted the police and other community members.
They chased the suspect who kept shooting at them. When the suspect realised that he didn’t have a way out, he allegedly shot and wounded himself. He was admitted to the hospital under a police guard. He is expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court as soon as he recovers. The firearm was also recovered. In another incident, community members played a key role that led to the apprehension of two armed suspects.
Police promptly reacted to a call from community members after the suspects allegedly stormed into a clothing store at a shopping complex at midday in Malamulele. According to a police statement, three alleged robbers demanded cash at gunpoint from the employees. They took off with an undisclosed amount of cash and fired shots randomly as they left the premises and continued shooting as they drove off in a white Toyota Corolla car.
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When the trio realised they were being followed by the police, they sped off and a car chase ensued. The suspects abandoned their vehicle and ran on foot. Two suspects, aged 29 and 38, were arrested with the assistance of community members and the third managed to evade the arrest. Police confiscated one firearm with ammunition, an undisclosed amount of cash, and the Toyota Corolla getaway car.
The suspects appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 25 facing charges of business robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of the suspected stolen property.
The search for the remaining suspect continues. Anyone with information should contact Col Edson Rikhotso on 082 565 7919 or the crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station or use the MySAPSApp. The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has thanked community members for their willingness to actively participate in the fight against crime by being diligent and keeping the police informed.
“This is a perfect illustration of the importance of active community involvement in the fight against crime. We urge our communities to emulate the community of Malamulele but must always be careful when encountering armed suspects and immediately alert the police,” concluded Hadebe.
