VEREENIGING. – Vereeniging Police Spokesperson Captain Fikile Funda has confirmed that the man who was shot yesterday after committing a business robbery in Voortrekker Street has died.
“Two armed suspects found the owner of the business along with his assistant inside the business premises. They then demanded money and the business owner told them that the money was in the till. They searched the owner, took his wallet and 2 cell phones then left.”
Funda adds that one of the suspects got into a car and drove off while the other suspect ran into Hofmeyer Street. “The armed suspect started shooting in the direction of an off-duty police officer who was armed, the officer took out his firearm and shot back at the suspect.”
Funda adds that the officer chased the suspect into Joubert Street where he fell next to Mediclinic. “The suspect was seen to be critical and an Ambulance was called, he was being taken to hospital but died on the way.”
Funda confirms that an inquest into the cause of the suspect’s death is underway. “Police are investigating a case of the unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted murder and a business robbery.”
A firearm and 12 empty cartridges were found where the suspect fell. The other suspect is still at large.
