eMbalenhle police have arrested four people in connection with an attempted murder and business robbery at a local tavern in Ext 22 that took place just after midnight (00:04 on Sunday morning).

Robbers arrived at the tavern at closing time and demanded money from the owner, who was standing at the door. When the owner did not comply, he was shot in the thigh. The culprits then forced him behind the counter and demanded more money.

Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, the tavern owner was shot in the other thigh after he told the robbers he did not have additional money.

The suspects also demanded cellphones from patrons inside the tavern. All patrons were reportedly robbed of their cellphones before the suspects fled the scene.

“Police activated intelligence-driven operations, and informers were strategically deployed in the area. Information was received about a group of men seen drinking at a certain address, with a vehicle matching the description of the one allegedly used during the commission of the crime parked outside the premises,” said Ndubane in a media release.

Police found only one man at the house, as the others had already left in the vehicle.

“Police requested and were granted permission to search the premises. During the search, officers discovered a firearm that had been thrown onto a bed. The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm. He subsequently provided information regarding the whereabouts of the other suspects,” explained Ndubane.

She said the vehicle was traced and located with three people inside. The vehicle was stopped and searched, and a revolver was found in the driver’s possession. One of the other occupants fled before he could be apprehended.

“Further investigation led police to a traditional healer who allegedly helped the suspects after the commission of the crime. Police requested and were granted permission to search the healer’s hut. A revolver and a rifle were recovered. The traditional healer was subsequently arrested.”

Ndubane said the four people arrested, are facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, attempted murder, and business robbery. The vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

The arrested are expected to appear before the Evander Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (February 19).