Two men arrested after tuck shop robbery in eMalahleni
As the suspects were allegedly robbing a shop, an unsuspecting guard came in to buy some items as well. He was robbed of his firearm, too.
Two armed men were arrested by the Witbank SAPS and community policing forum for allegedly robbing a shop and a security guard of his service pistol on Friday October 28.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, three armed suspects reportedly stormed into a business premises at 19:50 that day.
“It is alleged that the suspects held the tuck shop owner at gunpoint and robbed him of an undisclosed amount of cash as well as some cigarettes. While the robbery was in progress, it is said that a security guard arrived to buy some items, probably unaware of what was happening. The guard, too, was allegedly robbed of his service pistol by the armed men in the shop.”
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Mdhluli said the incident was reported to the authorities. The police patrolled the area in pursuit of the two vehicles occupied by the suspects.
“The suspects are said to have fled the scene in a white Toyota bakkie as well as a grey VW Polo. The SAPS members started patrolling, and it was not long before the team spotted the bakkie with two occupants just few blocks away from the crime scene. That is when the two were apprehended. The VW Polo unfortunately could not be traced at the time, however, the police are continuing the probe and are adamant that with the help of the public, they will succeed in finding it and arresting the outstanding suspect. The bakkie will probably form part of the investigation to determine if it was used in the commission of other similar incidents elsewhere. The two are expected to appear in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Mdhluli.
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The police urged anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the remaining suspect to 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.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the two suspects.
“I want to reassure everyone that the police will soldier on to disrupt criminal activities throughout the province, especially as we move towards the festive season.”
