By Kopano Dibakwane
A 35 year old man is facing charges of attempted business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm after a shootout with police on Tuesday morning, in Masoyi near Hazyview.
A statement released by SAPS(South African Police Services) provincial spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, has revealed that two armed suspects allegedly stormed into the premises of a Bangladeshi foreign national and demanded cash. Their daylight criminal act was reportedly inturrepted by local police who were patrolling the area and spotted the attempted robbery.
” The two suspects reportedly fled on foot upon noticing the police. However the members gave chase. One of the suspects opened fire directed at the members who defended themselves by firing back. One of the suspects somehow evaded arrest, meanwhile the other one who allegedly fired the shots sustained some injuries after being shot on the leg. He was eventually apprehended and a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off was seized from his possession,” he said.
According to Mohlala, the injured suspect is currently under heavy police guard in hospital.
” The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in other criminal activities previously. More charges could possibly be added against him as the investigation continues. He is expected to appear in court soon and police are still in pursuit of the remaining suspect,” he said.
Mohlala added that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is also investigating the incident.
