LIMPOPO – Police in Apel, outside Lebowakgomo, have arrested one suspect (38) during a business robbery at a local supermarket on Wednesday evening, 10 January, while another was shot and killed.
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According to Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, five suspects, armed with firearms entered the U Save Supermarket and accosted staff members, threatening them with firearms.
“They emptied the tills and ransacked the main office before ordering the store manager to open the safe and took an undisclosed amount of money,” Mojapelo explained.
Police were summoned and managed to corner and apprehend one suspect inside the supermarket.
“Four suspects managed to flee in different directions whilst police attempted to apprehend them. The arrested suspect, who is from ga-Masemola, was released on parole on 30 Novbember 2017, after serving eight years imprisonment for business robbery,” Mojapelo said.
The suspects fired at police as they fled on foot and a shootout ensued, resulting in the second suspect being shot and killed.
Mojapelo says a .38 special revolver, 21 cell phones and money were recovered next to his body.
“The deceased suspect has been identified as one who was terrorizing communities and businesses in the Sekhukhune district. He has been positively linked with a number of business robberies that were committed in the area.”
During the shootout, a police Sergeant sustained gun shot injuries and was admitted to hospital. He is in a stable condition.
Mojapelo says cases of business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm were opened and police investigations are continuing.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has commended saps for their swift response to the robbery and the arrest of one of the suspects.
Anyone with information on the remaining three suspects is requested to contact Captain Boshomane at 0843221341; the nearest police station or the crime stop number 08600 10111.
