Business robbery suspect arrested in Thulamahashe
One injured suspect was caught in possession of a bag of explosives and is currently in hospital under police guard.
The swift reaction of the Mhala police during a business robbery at a petrol station in Thulamahashe near Bushbuckridge led to the arrest of one suspect.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a group of about eight armed suspects stormed the fuel station at 23:50 on Saturday April 13 and held the employees and customers at gunpoint.
Mdhluli said the suspects were heavily armed with rifles and pistols. While some of them fired shots at random, others went to the safe. Explosive were detonated twice and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.
The police were alerted that the filling station was under attack and responded. During the SAPS’s siege, one of the suspects was injured.
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Mdhluli said the other suspects fled the scene in a BMW, with the stolen cash, while the injured suspect was left behind holding a bag. He was arrested.
The bag contained suspected explosive devices. He was taken for medical treatment and is still in a health facility under the watchful eye of the police.
He is expected to appear in the Mhala Regional Court soon facing several charges, including illegal possession of explosives and business robbery. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating the shooting incident.
The rest of the suspects are still at large. Anyone with information is urged to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app.
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