Springs police arrested three suspected armed robbers after they robbed a Slovo Park shopkeeper of his money on Thursday afternoon.
The 28-year-old shopkeeper told police he had received money from his brother to buy stock and was on his way to his car when he was approached by three men wearing masks and armed with a 9mm gun.
The robbers demanded the man to hand over the money but he ran away and the men chased after him.
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He was cornered along Ghana Street where the attackers shot and assaulted him, leaving him with head injuries.
While searching the injured victim, the men were seen by a member of the community who informed a detective from the Springs SAPS who was passing by.
The detective acted swiftly, and without any hesitation confronted the men, who retaliated by shooting at the detective.
The officer returned fire and injured two of the men while wounding the third.
A 9mm gun, with its serial number filed off, was recovered along with ammunition.
Further investigations revealed the car in which the men were travelling, a white Ford Fiesta, had false number plates.
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The victim and two of the suspected robbers were transported to the Pholosong Hospital in Tsakani, while the third suspect was detained at the Springs Police Station.
Police also recovered the victim’s money.
Cases of armed robbery, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm are under investigation.
Springs Police Station commander Brig Thembeka Gwebushe applauded the police for the swift response and apprehension of the robbers.
All three men will be charged and are expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court soon.
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