Three suspects arrested for robbery at Shoprite

MALALANE – This past Sunday at about 07:00 police arrested three suspects for business robbery at Shoprite.

Police officers received a tip-off while they were patrolling in Impala street near the supermarket.

They were suddenly stopped by community members who informed them of suspicious activity while a female employee of Shoprite was opening up the shop. It was alleged that she was pushed inside by three suspects.

According to Const Bheki Nkosi, another factor which arose suspicion was that the fact that it was already 07:00 at the time and the shop should have opened for business.

Police reacted swiftly and discovered there was indeed a robbery in progress. The suspects had forced the door open with a steel bar.

Three suspects were arrested and a toy gun believed to have been used in the robbery was seized. The stolen money was also recovered.

The suspects, Dumisani Hleko (35), Dolf Nkosi (32), and Mxolisi Mhlanga (32), appeared in the Malelane Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on charges of business robbery and unlawful possession of fire arm and ammunition.

They were denied bail and the case was postponed to April 2. At the time of going to press this publication was unable to report on further court proceedings.

In terms of the Firearm Control Act, Act no.60 of 2000, a suspect found to be in possession of imitation fire arm and ammunition with the intent to commit an offence has contravened Section 120 of the act as amended.