Two men were shot dead during a business robbery in Gedlembane in Pienaar, Mpumalanga, at about 02:30 yesterday.

According to police, the men were part of a group of armed suspects who gained entry to a shop by placing explosives on the door.

According to an article published by Mpumalanga News, when the business owner heard about the robbery, he called security.

The robbery was still in progress when the police arrived, says SAPS provincial spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

The suspects fired shots at the police and they retaliated, shooting two of them, she adds.

During the shoot-out, one of the shop’s employees, a Somalian national who lives there, was shot in his left thigh. He is recovering in hospital.

One of the robbers died on the scene, while the other collapsed and died about 500m away.

“The other suspects managed to escape, leaving their two dead accomplices behind,” says Ndubane.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi strongly condemned the incident.

“A team of investigators has been established to probe this incident. We are working around the clock to ensure the other perpetrators are swiftly brought to book,” says Mkhwanazi.

Ndubane urges anyone with information to call the investigating officer, Detective Lieutenant Colonel Nokuthula Nkhoma, on 082 469 2338, Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or submit information via the My SAPS App.

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