Armed robber arrested after exchanging fire with police and stolen vehicle recovered

A 30-year-old armed robbery suspect was treated for a gunshot wound and immediately discharged from hospital yesterday. According to information, four alleged robbers targeted a tavern yesterday morning Monday 14 August 2023. Police received information about a business robbery in progress in Oakley, Calcutta at about 08:30.

Members responded to a complaint. On the members’ arrival, they were greeted with gunshots. Police retaliated and during the cross fire, one suspect was shot on the leg. The suspect was arrested, and in his possession police found a handgun with serial numbers filled off. The other three suspects managed to flee the scene leaving behind their getaway vehicle a blue Kia Picanto and their friend. On further investigation, it transpired that the vehicle was also reported stolen in Masoyi last month, July 2023.

The suspects managed to get away with undisclosed amount of cash, cellphones, a laptop and some beverages.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court tomorrow for business robbery, attack on police officials, possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of stolen motor vehicle.

In a separate incident, at Kildare Trust, Ximunghwe in Calcutta, a house robbery suspect, amongst other items, he robbed a 35-year-old woman of her Bible. According to information, the victim was asleep at about 03:00 yesterday morning on Monday 14 August 2023 when she heard her door trap falling. When she woke up to inspect, she was shocked to find someone waiving a knife in her bedroom.

The suspect forcefully took the victim’s two cellphones, ID and bank cards as well as the victim’s Bible.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela applauded members for their bravery and to get one suspect behind bars. The General indicated that the other suspects will also be arrested shortly.