HIGHVELD – A robbery suspect tried to flee on foot after police cornered the vehicle he was driving in eMbalenhle on Friday, 1 June.
This came after Leandra Police received information from a community member who noticed unusual activity at the back entrance of the Pick n Pay that is used by staff members.
A red Toyota RunX and a white Toyota Avanza were parked on the corners with occupants inside.
Police responded and also noticed a Hyundai Accent and a white Toyota Corolla that immediately took off when the police approached the scene.
The RunX and the Avanza also drove off and the police gave chase.
The police managed to catch up with the Avanza and apprehended two suspects.
A look-out call for the other vehicles was made to neighbouring police stations and the RunX was spotted in eMbalenhle.
The driver refused to heed eMbalenhle Police’s signal to stop.
Also read: eMbalenhle Police nab suspected robbers
When the vehicle was cornered, the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, but officers managed to arrest three suspects.
Capt Busi Mthethwa, police spokesman, said during the arrest, they confiscated an AK47 rifle and 45 live rounds of ammunition.
“The supermarket and staff members were robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as cell phones.
“Cases of business robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence were opened.
Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, thanked the community for their cooperation and pleaded for more active participation by all sectors of the community to ensure their own safety.
Another robbery happened in the area during which a security guard was shot and killed at Leandra Spar on 25 May.
According to the police, a large group of armed suspects entered Spar at about 7.45pm.
They ordered customers to lie on the floor and then headed for the safe. The safe was bombed with explosives.
The robbers were armed with rifles and several of the gunmen kept a watch outside.
The suspects fled in various getaway cars and stole a van on the scene.
Police said they investigate to see whether the apprehended suspects were linked to the Spar robbery.
Anyone with information that may assist police in their investigation and that may lead to the arrest of the suspects, can contact Capt Simon Mlotshwa at 076 253 2117 or the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Also read: Armed gang kills security guard in Leandra Spar robbery
