AMERSFOORT – Mr Aaron Mbuli Mthombo is expected to appear in the Amersfoort Magistrate’s Court on October 27.

He was charged in absentia with armed robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from a business robbery at a shop in Zamokuhle in the early hours of August 18.

According to Ms Monica Nyuswa, the regional spokesman for the Mpumalanga NPA, the accused was shot by a police constable during the incident and was hospitalised.

He was therefore unable to attend the first appearance on September 14.

“He did not physically appear in court as he was in hospital, but the doctors gave us a medical certificate to that effect,” she said.

She concluded that the case was postponed to October 27 for a formal bail application.

Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, the provincial police commissioner, welcomed the arrest of the accused as well as the confiscation of the firearm and ammunition.

The police urged residents with information that may assist them to find and arrest two other suspects who were also involved and are still at large, by contacting Det Sgt Siphiwe Ndlovu on 072 638 1465 or the Crime Stop number, 086 001 0111.

Alternatively residents may send information via the My SAPS app, downloadable from the Android Play Store.

All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.