LIMPOPO – One suspect has been arrested and second fled the scene after an off-duty Constable intercepted a business robbery at a local shop in Phomolong extension 9, in the Modimolle policing area on Tuesday night, 14 May.
Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe explained that the victim was inside the shop when two suspects entered, armed with a firearm and a knife. They attacked the victim, searched the shop and took money, cigarettes and airtime.
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“In the process, an off-duty officer, who was passing the shop, noticed the door was closed and heard people talking inside the shop. He got suspicious, ran home to get his firearm and went back to the scene. On arrival, he found the suspects had just fled the scene and followed them. Upon finding them, he identified himself as a police officer but the suspects refused to surrender,” Ngoepe said in a statement.
After warning them, he apprehended one suspect and the other fled the scene. During the arrest, a toy gun, cigarettes, airtime and cash was recovered from the suspect.
“The toy gun is believed to be the weapon used during the robbery and the other recovered items are also believed to be part of the items stolen. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested suspect was out on bail for similar cases in the Modimolle policing area. The second suspect was identified and he is still being sought,” Ngoepe added.
The shop owner sustained serious injuries during the robbery and was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has praised the gallant constable on his “passionate behavior of discharging his duties beyond the call of duty.”
