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Armed robber shot and killed in shootout with police

Police said an armed robber was shot and killed during a shootout with police in Potchefstroom while another was arrested.

Shop owner

Photo: Stock/Canva

An armed robber was shot and killed during a shootout with police in Potchefstroom, while another was arrested earlier this week.

THE ARMED MEN ROBBED A BUSINESS NEAR BRITS

According to police spokesperson Captain Sam Tselanyane, police responded to a business robbery in Oukasie Location near Brits on Monday.

“It is alleged that a 31-year-old bottle store manager in Masenkeng Section, was hit in the face with a firearm by one of the two armed suspects who entered the store at about 10:30.

“Furthermore, the suspect fired one shot and instructed the victim to lie down. Thereafter, the suspects forced the victim to open a storage room where they took an undisclosed amount of cash, an Ipad and an Iphone, as well as mixed brands of cigarettes,” Tselanyane said.

POLICE RESPONDED SWIFTLY

He said police were informed about the incident and swiftly responded.

“Upon following up, four men matching the description of the suspects, were spotted near the railway line. As the police approached the men who were armed with handguns, they allegedly shot at the police, who returned fire,” Tselanyane said.

He added that the armed men fled in the direction of a nearby field of lucerne.

AN ARMED MAN SHOT AT POLICE

One of the men dropped a firearm while fleeing and was eventually cornered and apprehended at a nearby shack.

“In pursuing the remaining suspects and searching for the firearm dropped by the arrested suspect, the members called for back-up. According to reports, a second suspect allegedly emerged from the bushes and shot at the police.”

POLICE OFFICER WAS SHOT AND INJURED

A chase ensued after the armed man fled on foot until at the entrance to Oukasie at Masenkeng Section, where the shootout continued.

“In the process, the suspect was fatally wounded while a police officer was also shot on the left wrist,” Tselanyane said.

POLICE RECOVERED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  • A Girsan 9mm Parabellum handgun with a filed-off serial number and loaded with five live rounds as well as 16 ammunition in a box and one Nokia cellular phone were found in his possession.
  • Moreover, at the Lucerne field, members recovered a Glock 17 handgun that was dropped by the arrested suspect, also with the serial number filed off and loaded with 16 live rounds.

Tselanyane said a case of business robbery, two counts of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as inquest docket were registered.

“A 38-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court in this week.

“Investigation into the matter, including tracing of the remaining suspects, is underway,” he concluded.

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