According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, four suspects attacked some Fidelity employees who were loading cash off. “The suspects detonated some explosives and took cash. They tried to flee the scene in VW Polo, and the police and some local security guards gave chase. During the chase, the suspects started to shoot at the police and a shoot-out ensued. One civilian was unfortunately shot by the suspects and died on the scene,” said Mohlala.

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He said the suspects drove to a nearby guest house where they were lodging. They left the VW Polo there, and one suspect fled in a Mercedes-Benz C-class. The other three fled into the mountains, but two of them were caught and arrested, while the third was shot and taken to hospital. “The two, aged 23 and 26, were questioned and pointed out two rifles and one 9mm pistol that were hidden in the ceiling of the guest house.” Some ammunition for these rifles and pistol were also found. “The police also found and undisclosed amount of cash, explosives and other equipment used during the robbery,” said Mohlala.

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The two suspects are also linked to other cases in Ermelo and KwaMhlanga, for which they are due to appear in court soon. The suspects are charged with business robbery, murder, attempted murder, ATM bombing, unlawful possession of explosives and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They will appear in court soon. The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, welcomed the arrest of these three suspects. The fourth suspect that had escaped is still being sought.