Two suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested during an armed robbery that escalated into a shoot-out with the police in Leandra in Mpumalanga.

Ridge Times reports that the shoot-out, which happened on Tuesday, saw a 38-year-old police constable wounded in the crossfire.

According to Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police officers from Leandra were conducting routine patrols in the area when they encountered a robbery in progress. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers, who retaliated.  It was during this exchange that the constable was shot in the hip. He was transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a gang of about seven armed men, wearing police reflector vests, entered a liquor outlet in Leandra. They allegedly identified themselves as police officials on duty, investigating counterfeit liquor. The suspects reportedly questioned the owner and spent nearly an hour at the premises before trying to carry out an armed robbery.

At that point, members of the Leadra Visible Policing unit arrived on the scene, prompting the shoot-out.

Some of the suspects managed to evade arrest during the gunfire and fled, abandoning a white BMW 3 Series, with a false registration number, and a white Ford Focus that had reportedly been stolen in Bronkhorstspruit in March. Both vehicles were seized and taken to the police station for further investigation.

Believing that not all suspects had fled, police conducted a search of the area, which led to the arrest of two suspects who were found hiding in an enclosed storeroom. They were charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen vehicles.

Crime scene experts are continuing to process the area, and further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Leslie Periodical Court tomorrow.

The remaining suspects are still at large.

Acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and condemned the attack on law enforcement.

“Attacking police officers will be dealt with accordingly. We will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to justice,” he said.

Police are appealing to the public who may have information that could assist in their arrest to contact Detective Constable Thembayona Mkhulisi on 066 577 6013 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be sent via the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous.

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