An investigation is underway following a shoot-out after a business robbery. A suspect died while two other sustained wounds at Elukwatini at about 01:30.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the members of the SAPS from Elukwatini, in collaboration with a private security company, responded to the robbery incident, and in the process of tracking the three suspects, the alleged robbers were shot.

Mdhluli said the matter is subject to an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

“According to a report, members received information about the business robbery in progress at one of the local filling stations at Nhlazatshe Crossings. Upon the arrival of the law enforcement agencies at the scene, they got further information that the suspects had already committed the robbery in which they took an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, as well as some betting vouchers, then fled the scene.”

He said as a result an intelligent-driven operation was immediately launched, which led police and their counterparts to a rented room.

“It was in this place where the three were cornered, and we were informed that they were still counting the cash believed to have been stolen during the said business robbery,” he explained.

The law enforcers reportedly entered the premises and ordered the suspects to open the door.

“Instead of complying with the instruction, the suspects fired some shots from inside the room and police had no option but to fire back while penetrating the room. It was during this time when the three suspects were found inside the room with gunshot wounds,” he said.

Mdhuli added some of the items that were retrieved from the secondary scene (the room) included an undisclosed amount of cash as well as a firearm.

He said part of the investigation will include sourcing information with regard to the identity of the person who died on arrival at a hospital.

The other two suspects were apprehended and are currently receiving medical treatment under police guard.

Mdhuli said IPID will conduct their investigation so that there is transparency and fairness with regard to understanding what had really transpired.

The two suspects are expected to appear in the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court soon.