Off-duty cop to the rescue during robbery
An off-duty police officer tackled a business robbery suspect on Monday evening.
According to Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the incident occurred at eMhluzi Mall.
A 22-year-old man allegedly pointed a firearm at workers at Pep and stole eight cell phones.
The off-duty police officer, who was at an ATM near the store, saw what was unfolding and decided to enter the shop and intervene.
The suspect reportedly pointed a “firearm” at the police officer and in an act of self defence, the cop shot the suspect in his left hand, who then subsequently dropped his firearm.
“Unfortunately during the incident, a 32-year-old innocent passer-by also sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital for medical attention,” Brigadier Mohlala said.
It was later discovered that the suspect’s firearm was actually a toy gun.
Shoppers on the scene apprehended the suspect and seized his backpack, which had the stolen cell phones in it. They also assaulted the suspect. CPF members had to intervene to stop the mob.
Mhluzi Police were dispatched to the scene, and the suspect was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
The police have since arrested another suspect linked to the incident. The two suspects are expected to appear before the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
They are facing charges of business robbery and being in possession of a firearm.
The Independence Police Investigative Directorate were informed about the incident and will conduct their own investigation into the shooting.
