Two alleged house robbers were arrested in the Maseding section of Marapyane, Mmametlhake, in Mpumalanga following an intense shootout with police, which happened at two scenes.
The duo was nabbed in the early hours of Sunday, at around 3am.
“Police were busy with a high-density operation when information was received about the planned house robbery in Marapyane. Members of Tactical Response Team were dispatched to investigate,” said Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Captain Magonseni Nkosi.
When the Tactical Response Team officers were still gathering information from the complainant, a suspicious white Volkswagen Polo, without registration number plates, arrived at the scene.
“When the suspects noticed the presence of the police, the suspects reversed whilst firing shots towards the police. Police had no other option but to defend themselves and they fired back,” said Nkosi.
He said three of the alleged suspects jumped out of the VW Polo and disappeared into nearby bushes.
The vehicle sped off and a high-speed chase ensured.
“The vehicle was found entering certain premises in Legodi section in Marapyane. One suspect, aged 38 was found with gunshot on his upper body and lower part of his body. He indicated that he was shot during the incident. The second suspect, aged 30, believed to be the driver, was also found hiding in the same premises with the VW car keys,” said Nkosi.
While police were still working at that second scene at Legodi section, Nkosi said a grey VW Jetta arrived.
“Upon seeing the police, occupants from the VW Jetta alighted then fired at the police. Police fired back resulting in the Jetta's occupants to desert the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Two firearms were found inside the VW Polo,” said Nkosi.
When police conducted further searches inside the house, a suitcase believed to have been robbed from the same victim in July – while it contained an undisclosed amount of money, was also found.
A total of 28 spent cartridges for an R5 assault rifle as well as 10 spent cartridges for 9mm pistol were found in both scenes.
“Both vehicles and the firearms were seized for further investigation. The 30-year old suspect is expected to appear before Mbibane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday while his accomplice, a 38-year-old that is under police guard in hospital and is expected to appear in court soon,” said Nkosi.
Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the “outstanding work” done by the Tactical Response Team.
“I will like to warn criminals that attacking the police is a declaration of war against the State,” said Mkhwanazi.
IOL