LIMPOPO – One suspect was killed following a house robbery at a sergeant’s house in Namakgale Zone C, outside Phalaborwa on Friday (March 18.)

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the sergeant (44) was busy with laundry in her yard when she was accosted by an unknown number of armed suspects who demanded money.

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Mojapelo said the woman tried to scream for help but was subdued by the suspects and her children were forced into her house.

“They demanded bank cards and pins and some of the suspects allegedly took the policewoman’s private motor vehicle and drove to a local complex to withdraw money. The suspects also took the victims’ four cellphones. One suspect remained in the house, holding the victims at gunpoint,” he said.

Mojapelo said the police were alerted by the community who realised that there was a robbery in progress.

“On arrival at the scene, the suspect who remained behind, came out of the house allegedly pointing what looked like a firearm at the police and was shot and injured. The community came in large numbers and assaulted the man but were stopped by the police who called emergency services.”

The suspect was certified dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, Mojapelo said a team had also been searching for the other suspects and a shootout ensued upon arrival.

“The police gave chase and the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into the bushes. The hunt to apprehend them continues,” he said.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has urged those with information that can assist the police in tracking down the remaining suspects to contact Lieutenant Colonel Lilian Mahlathi on 082 469 1240, the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.