The Acornhoek community was left reeling on the night of February 20 when a man was killed during a house robbery and, in a separate incident, a woman was robbed at an ATM.

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SAPS in Acornhoek has launched an intensive investigation into the violent crimes and appealed to the public for assistance.

Murder in Mdlayabongolo

At approximately 20:35, police responded to a complaint of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery in Mdlayabongolo. It is alleged that three unknown male suspects entered a residence, where one produced a firearm and demanded money from the occupants.

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The victims complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects allegedly assaulted them before fatally shooting one male victim in the head.

Community members reportedly responded by blowing whistles and attempting to block the road with a vehicle. The suspects allegedly fired shots at the vehicle before fleeing the scene in a white Nissan NP200.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle’s occupants were four males and one female. The driver and the female occupant have since been arrested, and a manhunt is under way for the remaining three suspects.

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Robbery at Acornhoek Plaza

In a separate incident earlier that evening, at around 19:00, police received information from members of Farm Watch about a robbery at an Acornhoek Plaza ATM.

It is alleged that a woman was robbed of her bank card, after which R1 500 was withdrawn from her account.

The vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery was later found abandoned. At the scene, police discovered the body of an unknown man who had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. A pistol with a visible serial number was found in the possession of a nearby suspect, who was arrested.

According to preliminary reports, he claimed he did not know the deceased, but said they had travelled together from Burgersdorp in Tzaneen. Two additional suspects fled the scene and are still being sought.

The arrested suspect is facing charges of murder and armed robbery. Further charges may be added as investigations continue.

Members of the public with information that may assist in the investigations are urged to contact the Branch Commander Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Digoro on 082 318 9925 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Use MYSAPSAPP to report anonymously.