Suspect beaten by mob for stealing cough syrups
The motive of the Robbery is not yet known but due to recent cases about a new trend of Lean or Codeine mixtures with soda drinks can't be ruled out.
With reports on codeine abuse, the police are left with no choice but to suspect any robbery involving flu and cough syrup to be a potentially criminal activity related to Codeine abuse. Codeine is a prescription opioid drug that treats mild pain and acts as a cough suppressant.
The male suspect was beaten and wounded badly by the community for robbing a pharmacy at Nhlanzani Train Station Complex on Thursday, August 13. According to a statement released by Jabulani SAPS, two of their officials received the complaint and responded quickly and on arrival, they found a male suspect who had suffered severe head injuries with one bag of medication next to him and the mob dispersed.
“A Female employee (43) at the pharmacy was seated outside waiting for her colleague who had gone to buy lunch and while seated outside two males between the ages 19 and 29 allegedly entered the Pharmacy carrying schoolbags and when she entered, trying to explain to them to wait for assistance, the one suspect jumped the counter while the other one pulled out a knife and threatened to kill her,” said Captain Sifiso Mabizela, Jabulani SAPS spokesperson.
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“He started putting medication mostly flu and cough mixtures inside the bags, an amount of +-R2000 was also taken from the till. The other suspects attempted to stab the female employee, while trying to protect herself, blocking the knife with her hand, she got her hand injured. Just when the suspects were making their way out, they were met with concerned community members and one managed to flee while the other one was caught and beaten up by an angry mob outside the Pharmacy,” he added.
The female employee received medical attention whilst the suspect was rushed to Chris Hani – Baragwanath Hospital in a critical condition.
“At the time of the release it was not yet clear as to how much medication was robbed but, on the scene, next to the injured suspect the medication could be estimated at about R900,” said Mabizela.
“The motive of the Robbery is not yet known but due to recent cases and complaints about a new trend called Lean or Codeine mixtures with soda drinks can’t be ruled out. And we warn the public especially youth and school children not to buy such medications from anyone other than authorized health practitioners as the results can be health threatening,” he added.
The Jabulani SAPS says while they are proud of the residents, for standing against crime, they strongly condemn mob justice when trying to apprehend suspected individuals.
The community is urged to come forward with any information that could assist the police in finding the second suspect who also fled with cash and other undisclosed medication and can be contacted on (011) 527 7000, communicate via my SAPS app or can contact the crime stop number on 0860010111 to report crime anonymously.
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