In an attempted cash in transit robbery that went seriously wrong for the alleged robbers, the community in Leandra, Mpumalanga as well as security companies assisted police in apprehending two suspects. One suspected robber was killed in a gunfight while an unknown number of suspects are still on the run.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says the incident happened along the R29 in Leandra yesterday at 09:00.

According to information, a Fidelity vehicle was stationed in front of a shop when it was stormed by four robbers who opened fire on the van as soon as the guard opened the door to retrieve bags of money. Although no one was injured, robbers managed to overpower the guard and escaped with bags of money. They attempted to make their getaway in a silver Volkswagen Polo.

Community members gave chase and were soon followed by the Fidelity vehicle, a local security company, police and MavCorp High Risk Response (who were stationed nearby).

In a shoot-out between the Fidelity guards and robbers, one of the suspects was fatally shot in the head. He was declared dead on the scene by ER24 paramedics.

Another suspect was chased down by community members and arrested by police while a third was found hiding in a building in the nearby Lebohang township. He was discovered by a taxi owner as well as MavCorp armed response guards.

Mohlala says police recovered three firearms, a pistol and two revolvers and three bags of money. The firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.

He says the two arrested suspects, aged 39 and 40, will be appearing in court tomorrow on charges of armed robbery and the possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition with the possibility of more charges being added as the investigation unfolds.

Mohlala urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or to send information on the My SAPS app.