Two suspects, Nicholas Mokoena (35) and Dumi Khoza (40), appeared in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court today, July 7, after being arrested for allegedly robbing a truck transporting liquor valued at about R450 000 in Marite. They were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and armed robbery.

The incident occurred on Wednesday July 5. The accused were released on R1 500 bail each.

A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the truck, with its two occupants, was travelling along the R40 near Marite when a group of armed suspects allegedly shot at them while instructing them to stop.

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“After stopping the truck, the suspects got inside and held the two men at gunpoint, thereby ordering them to drive to a secluded place in the nearby bushes. Upon arrival, it is further alleged that there were approximately six cars, including a Toyota Quantum and bakkies, at the scene. The victims were instructed to offload the consignment into the vehicles, although some of the liquor remained in the truck. The suspects are said to have fled the scene afterwards, leaving the victims behind,” Mohlala said.

He also said the police in Calcutta were alerted about the incident, and upon arrival, a case of robbery was opened. The SAPS immediately began to search for the suspects.

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“The police followed information regarding the robbery and the description of the suspects. The visible policing unit in Calcutta managed to trace and arrest two suspects as well as recover some of the suspected stolen liquor that was still inside some of the vehicles, as indicated by the victims.”

The police are still in pursuit of the other robbers and urge anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or to send information via the My SAPS app.