Three men appeared in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning, 4 March on suspicion of murder and business robbery that were committed in Bekkersdal on Friday, 28 February at approximately 10.10pm.
According to the police, the suspects aged between 26 and 28 years were arrested in Bekkersdal on Monday, 2 March.
“They were found in possession of the firearm believed to have been used during the robbery, and a cellphone of the deceased,” Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson said.
Lefakane said during the incident, a woman who was busy cooking was startled by a gunshot.
“Her wounded husband entered the room, followed by three armed men wearing balaclavas.
“He told his wife to give the robbers whatever that they wanted, and she allegedly handed them two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of money.
“Unfortunately, one of the robbers fired another shot, fatally wounding the man before fleeing on foot,” Lefakane said.
Acting Bekkersdal Police station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Andile Moshani, has appealed to shop owners to avoid using their business premises as their residences as it puts their lives in danger.
He further urged business owners to put in place security measures around their premises and ensure at all times that their yards are well lit.
Moshani also applauded police members for their bravery and swift reaction to attend to the incident, and for making sure that the suspects were arrested.
The suspects have also been charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
