Two men shot dead during business robbery in Pienaar
Some armed security personnel arrived while the business robbery was still in progress and exchanged fire with the suspects.
Two men were shot dead during a business robbery in Gedlembane in Pienaar at about 02:30 today, February 17.
The police say they were part of the group of armed suspects who gained entry to a shop by placing explosives on the door.
When the business owner heard about the robbery, he called security.
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“Upon their arrival, the security team found the robbery still in progress. The suspects fired some shots at them and they retaliated, shooting of two of the suspects,” said a provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
During the shoot-out, one of the employees of the shop, a Somalian national who stays there, was also shot in his left thigh. He is recovering in hospital.
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One of the robbers who was shot died on the spot, while the other collapsed and died about 500m from the crime scene.
“The other suspects managed to escape leaving their two dead accomplices behind,” said Ndubane.
She urged anyone with information to call the investigating officer, Detective Lieutenant Colonel Nokuthula Nkhoma, on 082 469 2338. Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop number, 08600 10111, or submit information via the My SAPS App.
Meanwhile, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the incident.
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“A team of investigators has been established to probe this incident. We are working around the clock to ensure the other perpetrators are swiftly brought to book,” said Mkhwanazi.
