Suspects to appear in court

The nine robbers, who were arrested at Elukwatini near Badplaas on April 1, will again appear in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on April 22 for a formal bail application.

Maxwell Ngwenya (38),Themba Ngwenya (37), Nhlanhla Mdluli (35), Thabo Makhahlela (26),Sibongiseni Mkhize (25) Michael liberty Ndlovu (34), Nkosinathi Mhlanga (40), Nkosinathi Zulu (29) and Wonder Ndlela (30), were arrested after an off-duty officer prevented them from getting away with their loot. An accomplice was left dead.

According to provincial police spokesman, Col Leonard Hlathi, the men were arrested following a business robbery that took place at SPAR Supermarket in Elukwatini.

The one who died was identified as Vusi Zwane (41) of Berea Park in Johannesburg. All nine suspects are from townships around Johannesburg.

Hlathi said the off-duty dedicated officer was summoned back after having witnessed the robbery and followed the suspect’s getaway vehicle in his private car.

“The villains and other accomplices allegedly went to SPAR, blocked the access and exit points, and held the staff and customers at gunpoint. They took money from the cash registers, robbed the staff and customers of their valuables and fled in two vehicles – a Toyota Hilux bakkie and Toyota Siyaya Hi-Ace minibus,” said Hlathi.

The off-duty officer witnessed the incident and reacted swiftly by calling upon his colleagues to assist. “He followed the getaway cars while the police in Elukwatini and Badplaas joined in and responded to the call. They tracked down the suspects and cornered them at Nhlazatshe, where five of them were apprehended and disarmed,” said Hlathi.

He said in the midst of the chase, the sixth suspect ran into a house and hid in the toilet. “Unfortunately for him, the police saw him, and when he realised that he couldn’t escape, he allegedly shot himself. The remaining four were arrested in their hideout near the village Nhlazatshe,” said Hlathi.

Police managed to recover some of the money and items suspected to have been stolen. Four illegal firearms were recovered and police also seized the two vehicles used during the robbery.

Hlathi say a manhunt for the remaining suspects was in progress and urged anyone with information that might lead to their arrests, to contact Capt Sthandwa Nkosi on 082-541-5589 or 017-883-0050.

Provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Thulani Ntobela said he was delighted by the manner in which the police members dealt with the situation. “The audacity displayed by the off-duty one is commendable and shows a spirit of courage,” he added.

Sibongiseni Booi, SPAR manager couldn’t reveal how much money was stolen.