Robbers shot dead by police and soldiers in Tonga
The two fell from the ceiling, into a furniture shop next to the restaurant.
Two men who tried to rob a restaurant at Tonga shopping plaza over the weekend were killed during a shootout with police and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
According to Brig Mntsholi Bhembe, the duo which was in possession of a firearm, entered the restaurant around 18:00, demanding money and cellphones from staff.
Soldiers stationed near the area were called to the establishment by members of the community. The criminals allegedly responded by firing at them before hiding in the back of the restaurant. It is further said that the SANDF members then called police for back-up. “When police arrived at the scene, the robbers were hiding in the shop’s ceiling, firing shots from where they hid,” Bhembe added.
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SAPS and the soldiers retaliated by firing back at the robbers. They were both certified dead by paramedics who were called to the scene.
The pair was found in possession of a firearm and live rounds. No one else was injured.
“The Independent Police Directorate was informed of this matter. They will be conducting their own investigation,” Bhembe concluded.
