LIMPOPO – The suspect was arrested on Sunday during a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation, comprising the Tracking Team, K9 and the Airwing unit.
Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, said the officers recived information about an unknown number of suspects who had plans of breaking into a supermarket at Rhiland village, on Sunday, 17 March and immediately reacted.
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According to reports the suspects, arrived on the scene in three vehicles; A white Mercedes Benz , a white Toyota Hilux and a black Polo VW.
“Soon after the suspects arrived, a shoot-out ensued between the suspects and the security guards, during which the suspects fled the scene, some into nearby bushes and others in the vehicles. During this process, the officers on the scene saw one of the suspects attempting to drive away in the VW Polo and made the arrest,” Ngoepe explained.
Two security guards who had sustained serious injuries during the shoot-out were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, he added.
Following further investigations two vehicles, a pair of gloves, false registration plates and motor vehicle keys were recovered at Sefene village around Botlokwa policing area. The third vehicle, a Toyota Hilux was found abandoned not far from the area.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the one vehicle was hijacked in Senwabarwana during 2013. Further investigations also revealed that these suspects were involved in other serious crimes of business robberies, safe bombings at garages and hijackings across the province.”
The suspect will appear in Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 20 March on charges of attempted murder and attempted business robbery.
The manhunt for the remaining suspects continues and the police urge anyone with information that can lead to their arrest, to contact Constable Frans Seema at 079 840 1780. Alternatively they can contact the crime stop number 0860010111, the crime SMS line 32211 or the nearest police station.
