Three nabbed for Pongola business robbery

FOUR civilians, including a 16-year-old school pupil, were left injured when suspects randomly opened fire to pave a way out after a business robbery in Pongola.

The robbery took place in the Pongola CBD on Monday.

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According to a police source, about 10 armed suspects stormed into a supermarket.

At gunpoint, they took an undisclosed amount of money, three cellphones worth R19 000, an airtime voucher to the value of R40 000, a firearm, and cigarettes worth R25 000.

“After taking these items, they forcefully demanded the car keys of a black double cab bakkie, into which they loaded their loot and sped away.

“The 43-year-old shop owner, a Chinese national, claimed his security guards were assaulted and disarmed, and alleged that the suspects took a 9mm pistol and R1 rifle before confronting his staff members,” said the police source, adding that four bystanders were rushed to a local clinic for medical attention.

Zululand Cluster police spokesperson Captain Nkosie Gwala said police, members of the SANDF, and private security guards were alerted and started chasing the suspects.

“The suspects were chased towards the Pongola sugar mill and came to a dead-end. During the chase, there was a shoot-out between them and law enforcement agencies.

“When they reached the dead end, they abandoned the vehicle and ran into the sugar cane field. A search was conducted, and three suspects aged between 25 and 38 were arrested.

“One was found with a gunshot wound to the leg and was rushed to Itshelejuba Hospital where he is under 24-hour police guard. Two CZ 9mm pistols, one with 14 live rounds of ammunition and one with nine, as well as a revolver with six rounds of ammunition were found in their possession,” said Gwala.

Gwala added that the police are still looking for seven more suspects.

“A case of business robbery; attempted murder cases; and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition were registered at Pongola SAPS for further investigation. The arrested suspects are expected to appear at Pongola Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

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