One suspect is in hospital while his accomplice is still at large after a foiled business robbery at about 6pm on Thursday night in Botha Street, Randgate.
Randfontein Police said the attempted robbery happened when a 27-year-old shopkeeper was confronted by two men, assaulted and then forced to a prone position on the floor inside his shop.
“He managed to alert his security company, but one of his clients arrived at the shop during the robbery. The client was forced in the shop and the roller door was closed,” said Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson.
Ernst added that the two suspects were forced to open the roller door when the response officers arrived at the shop.
“It is alleged that the suspects opened fire on the response officers who allegedly retaliated. During the shootout, one of the suspects was wounded, while the other suspect sped off in a VW Polo.”
Police said the vehicle was recovered shortly after the incident on the corner of Stegman and Union Streets in Randgate. They also said the 29-year-old injured suspect was transported to a local hospital where he is under police guard.
“During the investigation into this incident, two firearms were also recovered. The Randfontein Police want to commend the security company members for their immediate response. They not only prevented the suspects from taking any property from the shop, but also aided in the recovery of two firearms,” Ernst said.
Randfontein station commander, Brigadier Jacob Manamela said, “The removal of firearms from criminal hands is praiseworthy.”
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