One robber died in Mayibuye on 30 December last year, after he fell into a main water trench while fleeing from the police for fear of being arrested.
Three men robbed a hardware store in Mayibuye of 20 gas cylinders but during the course of the robbery, the suspects fled when they were frightened by a security light.
One suspect is dead, one is still missing and the third suspect was arrested by Detective Warrant Officer Cedric Mphahlele on 8 January.
Police found the suspect’s lifeless body in the water trench when they arrived on the scene.
“The suspects were carrying the gas cylinders across the wall, with one being on the inside, the other was outside and one was on top of the wall. Only two cylinders were found near the company fence which the robbers could not run away with and the 20 stolen cylinders are yet to be found,” said Rabie Ridge police spokesperson Captain Matsobane Masela.
The deceased suspect had been reported missing by his family after his death before they were able to identify his body.
“Police need assistance in recovering the stolen items and missing suspect and are appealing to the community and families of these suspects to help,” said Masela.
“This case is a lesson to all criminals and a warning. We appeal to the community to work with the police to reduce crime for the safety of everyone.”
Details: Rabie Ridge Police Station 011 310 0410.
