Alleged robber shoots himself after being chased by community in Limpopo

A suspect reportedly shot himself after realising he was cornered by community members soon after he allegedly committed an armed robbery at a spaza shop in Madonsi Xikhulu Village, Limpopo. 

The suspect, armed with a pistol, reportedly entered the local spaza shop at about 17:45, on Saturday, 23 July and demanded cash from the owner. 

SUSPECT SHOOTS HIMSELF FEARING COMMUNITY 

According to police, during the confrontation, a customer noticed what was happening and alerted them and other community members. 

The community chased the alleged robber who kept shooting at them. When the suspect realised that he didn’t have a way out, he allegedly shot and wounded himself. The firearm was also recovered.

Police opened a case of business robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The 29-year-old  suspect who shot himself is admitted in hospital under police guard. He is expected to appear in the local Magistrate’s Court as soon as he recovers.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ANOTHER LIMPOPO BUSINESS ROBBERY 

In another incident, also in Limpopo, community members also played a key role that led to the apprehension of two armed suspects.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said members promptly reacted to a call from community members after the suspects allegedly stormed into a clothing store at a Shopping Complex in Malamulele at about 12:45 and demanded cash at gunpoint from the employees.

Mojapelo said the suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and fired shots randomly as they left the premises and continued shooting as they drove off in their white Toyota Corolla motor vehicle.

“Police immediately followed the tracks of the suspects. They received information that the suspects were heading towards the Malamulele location. The trio allegedly sped off when they realised they were being followed by the police. A car chase ensued and the suspects abandoned their vehicle and ran on foot.

“Two suspects aged 29 and 38 were arrested with assistance of community members and the third managed to evade the arrest. Police confiscated one firearm with ammunition, cash amount of money and the getaway Toyota Corolla vehicle.”

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe thanked community members for their willingness to actively participate in the fight against crime.

“This is a perfect illustration of the importance of active community involvement in the fight against crime. We urge our communities to emulate the community of Malamulele but must always be careful when noticing armed suspects and immediately alert the police,” she said. 

ALSO READ: Friends arrested for brutally murdering and dismembering Limpopo man