Three suspects will appear in Randburg Magistrates’ Court this week on charges of business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The suspects, aged between 22 and 34, were allegedly apprehended on 13 November in Ferndale. The incident occurred at 1am at a corner store while the shopkeeper was inside.
According to the spokesperson for Randburg Police Station, Makgowanyana Maja, a person pretending to be a customer came and knocked on the door requesting to make a purchase but the shopkeeper refused.
“After a few minutes, another customer came wearing a security jacket and wanted to buy as well. The shopkeeper opened the doors and the alleged security officer bought a juice and a pie,” said Maja.
The shopkeeper walked to the door with the customer and as he was about to close and lock the doors, three suspects pushed the door and managed to open it. One of the suspects was allegedly carrying a firearm and assaulted the shopkeeper as he refused to lie down as instructed.
“He was pointed with a firearm on guard while the other two were taking items from the store. Cigarettes, an undisclosed amount of money and sweets were stolen. Police were immediately called and suspects started to run away from the scene towards a nearby river.”
While trying to escape, the suspects were met with police officers and were arrested.
One of the suspects was allegedly shot in the lower body and is currently at the hospital under police guard.
Stolen items were recovered together with a firearm and ammunition.
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Details: 10111.
