Suspect arrested near Calcutta for robbery and attack on police

1. A man is facing charges of attempted murder for shooting at some Calcutta police officers after he and two accomplices had allegedly robbed a business in the area on Wednesday February 15.

 

A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said Dumisani Nkuna (35) was arrested on the scene, however, his two accomplices managed to evade arrest and are still being sought by the police.

 

Mohlala said according to reports by the Calcutta police, the business robbery had taken place in Kildare Trust near Calcutta in Bushbuckridge, at about midnight.

 

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He said the business owner was asleep in the premises when three armed men broke in.

 

The men had driven to the property in a white Isuzu single-cab bakkie. They entered the business by a hole they had made in the wall – it is still unclear how this was done.

 

Mohlala said the suspects randomly fired shots once they got inside.

 

The business owner awoke and called to neighbours for help before the suspects, who were all wearing caps and masks, held him at gunpoint.

 

The suspects demanded the man open the cash register, and took an undisclosed amount of cash.

 

They allegedly assaulted the businessman and demanded more cash. The owner produced a bag of money from where he had hidden it, and handed it over.

 

The suspects also stole a flash machine (used to sell data, airtime and prepaid electricity), boxes of snuff tobacco and the owner’s cellphone.

 

The robbers exited the business through the hole, after placing a large bag of mielie meal on top of the victim’s head to pin him down.

 

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Mohlala said the Calcutta police were alerted to the incident and managed to intercept the suspects further down the road.

 

As the SAPS approached the suspects’ vehicle, the men allegedly began firing at them. The police returned fire.

 

Two of the suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Nkuna, who was the driver, was cornered by the police and was arrested.

 

No one was injured during the shoot-out.

 

Mohlala said the Isuzu bakkie had Gauteng registration plates, and was confiscated.

The items believed to have been stolen during the robbery were found inside.

 

The firearms allegedly used during the robbery and the shooting with the police are believed to still be with the two suspects who had escaped.

 

Nkuna appeared in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Thursday February 16 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and business robbery.

 

The matter was postponed to February 20 for a formal bail application, and he remains in custody.

 

He is expected to appear in court again tomorrow, February 17, on the charge of attempted murder of police officials.

 

Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Wednesday February 15, two men allegedly shot and injured an Ethiopian national during a business robbery in Block C, Phakama, near Komatipoort at about 17:39.

 

Mohlala said the two suspects allegedly arrived at a supermarket and pretended they wanted to buy some items.

 

“Suddenly, one of the suspects allegedly drew a firearm and shot the victim in his arm. The duo ransacked the shop and reportedly took an undisclosed amount of cash,” said Mohlala.

 

“They also allegedly took cellphone recharge vouchers, some cigarettes as well as the victim’s mobile phone.”

 

He said they fled the scene in a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie.

 

The victim was rushed to hospital for treatment, however, it is unknown what his condition is at this stage.

 

Mohlala said the Tonga police are appealing to anyone with information to help apprehend the suspects, to contact Detective Colonel Nancy Mnisi on 072 603 8438.

 

Alternatively, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app.

 

All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.