LIMPOPO – One of the two suspects who was arrested following a shoot-out with the police soon after committing a car hijacking along the R555 road in Rossenekal, appeared in Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday 20 November 2017.
The suspect, an amputee on crutches, appeared on charges of possession of suspected stolen vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and car hijacking, said Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
He was remanded in custody until 27 November 2017 for a formal bail application.
The second suspect who sustained injuries in the shootout is still recuperating in hospital, Mojapelo concluded.
17 November 2017
Carjacking suspect shot and killed during car chase with police outside Groblersdal
LIMPOPO – One carjacking suspect was shot and killed and another seriously injured during a shoot-out with the police after three suspects hijacked a vehicle in the Laersdrift policing area.
Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says a 23-year-old victim from Haarteles in Roossenekal offered three suspects a lift, however, just before reaching their destination, one of the suspects produced a firearm, ordered the driver to stop and forcefully pulled him from the vehicle before fleeing in the car in the direction of Groblersdal.
Read more: Carjacker arrested in Maake, outside Tzaneen
“The driver reported the incident to the police who swiftly reacted, summoned the TRT ( Tactical Response Team) Unit and gave chase,” he explained.
Just outside Groblersdal the fleeing suspected allegedly shot at the police who retaliated. One suspect was shot and killed and another seriously wounded during the shoot-out. A third suspect, an amputee on crutches, immediately surrendered, added Mojapelo.
Read more: 3 members of carjacking syndicate arrested
The carjacked vehicle was recovered and an unlicenced firearm was confiscated.
The arrested suspects will appear in Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended all members who were involved in the operation for their swiftness in responding to this serious crime. “This arrest should send a clear message that the police are determined to respond accordingly when faced with a confrontational situation and will not hesitate to make use of their firearms when fired upon.” Concluded General Ledwaba.
