SAPS’ swift response leads to arrests
There was a shootout between the police and one of the robbers.
The Brakpan SAPS Crime Prevention battalions received an anonymous tip-off from a community member about a robbery at a store on the corner of Northdene and Bedford streets on November 9 at 18:20.
The officers immediately went to the scene. As they approached the store, they saw four men exit it and run off in different directions, with one carrying a medium-sized gambling machine. The members chased the robbers and tried to corner them while calling for backup.
Sergeants Tuka Gavade and Simon Shabangu went after two robbers and cornered them. One then drew a firearm and started shooting at the members, who returned fire, shooting one in the stomach and leg.
The police apprehended the two, while private security, who had responded to the backup call, apprehended the other two.
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The law enforcers confiscated three firearms. Two had identifiable serial numbers, and one was a replica. One weapon had been stolen in a previous business robbery, and the robbers also had live ammunition.
The stolen store items were recovered, and the four criminals were arrested. Three were detained at the Brakpan Police Station, and the other went to the hospital under police guard.
The four are charged with business robbery, the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and stolen goods and attempted murder.
No SAPS members or private security members sustained injuries during the shooting. Brakpan SAPS interim station commander Colonel Eugene Scheepers applauded the law enforcers.
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