GRASKOP – A suspect was shot and killed on Friday during an altercation with the police after a suspected robbery. He has now been identified as Mr Rodney Ngomane (30) of Mariti Trust.
It is alleged that three men entered West Lodge Bed&Breakfast and threatened German tourists. They were robbed of 15 Euros and other valuable items. The tourists were lucky to escaped uninjured.
On the same day, they had targeted Fire Break Pub. Here the suspects, who were all wearing balaclavas, held the pub attendant at gunpoint and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop and a phone. The attendant suffered minor injuries.
Soon after, an officer spotted the suspects near his home, still wearing their balaclavas. One of them opened fire, narrowly missing the officer. In an attempt to defend himself, he shot and killed one of the suspects. The other two fled. The deceased was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and some of the items allegedly stolen at the two targeted lodges.
During investigation, it was found that the suspect had possibly been involved in other crimes in the area.
Const Rosemary Masilela, communication officer at Graskop SAPS, confirmed that the police were still looking for the two remaining suspects. She appeals to anyone who has information which could lead to their arrest and prosecution, to contact Det Sgt Jabu Mahlangu on 082-782-3033.
