Two men suspected of taking part in a violent filling station robbery in Moteti died hours later when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned on the R573 between Slaagboom and Siyabuswa on September 8.
The crash occurred at about 05:10, shortly after the pair allegedly fled a filling station robbery involving 13 armed men in Moteti Village in which the suspects reportedly used an explosive device to break into a safe.
Police recovered an R5 rifle, two R5 magazines, 56 rounds of R5 ammunition, two 9mm pistols, an empty 9mm magazine and a 9mm round from the wrecked Nissan Navara.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the firearms and ammunition have since been positively linked to the robbery.
Gang uses explosives in early-morning heist
According to Ledwaba, a group of armed men stormed a filling station at Moteti Complex at about 02:30.The suspects, allegedly armed with handguns and rifles, accosted security guards and a cashier before forcing their way into the cash office.
“An explosive device was allegedly used to breach the drop safe,” said Ledwaba.
The suspects allegedly fled on foot while firing several shots, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Several pistol and rifle cartridges were recovered at the filling station.
Getaway vehicle overturns on R573Police later received information about a white Nissan Navara with Mpumalanga registration plates travelling towards Marble Hall.
The vehicle was found overturned between Siyabuswa and Slaagboom at about 05:10.
“The driver was certified dead on the scene. The passenger had sustained serious injuries. He was transported to hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment,” said Ledwaba.
Preliminary investigations have positively linked the deceased men, aged 34 and 35, to the filling station robbery.
Their names had not been officially released at the time of publication.
Cases of culpable homicide and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened at SAPS Marble Hall. Police are now searching for the remaining members of the armed group and working to establish their identities.
The investigation into both the robbery and the crash is continuing.
