A 23-year-old male suspect was fatally shot by police during a business robbery which was reportedly carried out at Mangweni near Tonga, Mpumalanga yesterday, Thursday, 30 December 2021.
Whilst another suspect was apprehended by the police and the third suspect managed to flee.
Police report indicates that a group of about three armed suspects stormed into a certain shop at Mangweni. It is alleged that three suspects made off with cash and airtime vouchers which was robbed at gunpoint. Police were informed and swiftly went to the scene where they noticed the suspects, one of them was in possession of a firearm whilst another was carrying a bag.
Police gave chase, and in the process the suspect with the firearm was fatally shot. A firearm was seized on the scene and the other suspect, aged 23 was arrested with a bag which had the suspected stolen items, including cash and airtime vouchers.
Police are still looking for the third suspect meanwhile the arrested suspect, Bongani Mahlangu appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today where he was remanded in custody until 04 January 2022 for a formal bail application. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges to the suspect.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the firearm. The General further raised her concern about the proliferation of firearms around the province which are mostly used in the commission of violent crime.
Police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the outstanding suspect to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are probing the case.