Mbombela shoot-out: 1 suspected burglar shot, another on the run

A suspect was wounded during a shoot-out with iSecure security personnel, while another is on the run.

The incident occurred in Mbombela yesterday when iSecure officers responded to a reported house burglary that was taking place at a house between Dr Enos Mabuza Drive and Valencia Street.

While on their way to the house, the security officers spotted a vehicle that matched the description of the car that was reported to have been involved in the burglary.

“We tried to stop the car, but it sped off and we gave chase. They started shooting at us and we retaliated by firing back at them in an effort to force them to stop. One of the suspects, who was driving, was shot in the leg. The vehicle was cornered on Percy Fitzpatrick Drive and the wounded driver was arrested. The other suspect managed to escape and we are still looking for him,” says a spokesperson for the private security company.

They add that they found a TV, two laptops, cellphones, two remotes and jewellery, as well as a metal bar they suspect was used to break into the house. They also claim the vehicle was involved in various burglaries in Lydenburg, Sabie White River and Mbombela.

The Nelspruit police were summoned to the scene where the car was stopped. It was impounded and the owner of the house confirmed the items that were found in the car belong to him.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Zandile Nqawa confirms one suspect was wounded and is currently in hospital under police guard.

She says: “Security officers were chasing a bakkie with two occupants [who were] allegedly involved in a housebreaking in West Acres at about 11:23. A shoot-out ensued and one suspect managed to run away. The other suspect was shot in the leg and was arrested. Some stolen items were found in the vehicle.”

The suspect was charged for possession of suspected stolen property and housebreaking.