The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the arrest of two alleged house robbers in Maseding section in Marapyane, Mmametlhake in the early hours of Sunday morning, 03 November 2024 at about 02:45.
Police were busy with high-density operation when information was received about the planned house robbery in Marapyane. Members of Tactical Response Team were dispatched to investigate.
When members were still gathering information from the complainant, a suspicious white VW 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.
Three of the alleged suspects jumped out of the car and disappeared into nearby bushes. The vehicle sped off and a high speed chase ensured.
The vehicle was found entering a certain premises in Legodi section in Marapyane. One suspect, aged 38 was found with gunshot wound 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.
Whilst Police were still working on the second scene at Legodi section, a grey VW Jetta arrived. Upon seeing the Police, occupants from the 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. When Police conducted further searches inside the house, a suitcase believed to have been robbed from the same victim in July this year with an undisclosed amount of cash, 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 tomorrow, Tuesday 05 November 2024 whilst his accomplice, a 38-year-old that is under Police guard in hospital and is expected to appear in court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the outstanding work by the Tactical Response Team. “I will like to warn criminals that attacking the Police is a declaration of war against the state, ” warned the General.
An alleged house robber arrested and was injured during a shootout with the police https://t.co/aQaeOUAJ7Z#ArriveAlive #HouseRobbery #Shootout @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/UWZqqsLQTz
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 5, 2024