Robbers killed in SAPS stand-off in Naas
Two robbers were killed in a stand-off with police after attempting to rob a fast-food outlet in Nkomazi Plaza last Sunday evening.
NAAS – Police had to cordon off an area at Nkomazi Plaza last Sunday to catch two armed robbers.
The suspects reportedly entered a restaurant in the shopping centre around 18:00 and threatened staff members with a firearm, demanding money and cellphones.
A community member saw what was happening and told members of the SANDF, who were in the area.
The soldiers reacted and the robbers, who were trying to flee, had to go back into the shop.
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They fired at the soldiers, who requested backup from the nearby army base and SAPS.
The suspects hid in the ceiling as the area was cordoned off and police started searching for them.
The stand-off drew a lot of attention and the curious community members surrounded the shopping centre in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the action.
At one point, the robbers started shooting at the soldiers and police from their hiding place. The officers fired back, fatally wounding the suspects. The duo fell through the ceiling into a furniture shop next to the restaurant and were certified dead by paramedics on the scene.
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No other injuries were reported.
Police recovered a firearm with live rounds.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate was contacted about the incident and will be conducting its own investigation.
Lt Genl Mondli Zuma, the SAPS provincial commissioner, commended the successful teamwork between members of SAPS and the SANDF.
