Robber shot and injured in Thembalethu shootout

A robber was shot and injured during a shootout in Thembalethu on Sunday evening.

WHAT HAPPENED ON SUNDAY EVENING?

According to reports, police were alerted to an armed robbery at the garage entrance of Thembalethu on Sunday evening.

At least one robber may have been seriously injured in the shootout that ensued.

It is alleged that the robbers hijacked a bakkie earlier the evening in Silvertown in Thembalethu and later used it as a getaway car.

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It is believed the vehicle was later found abandoned in Zone 1.

NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE YET

No arrests have been made, and police could not yet provide more information on the stolen items.

Police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie appealed to the community to come forward with any information that could assist with the investigation.

“These robbers are armed and dangerous. Please do not try to apprehend them, but rather alert the police. The public is warned that it is an offence to aid and abet a fugitive,” Malcolm said.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST POLICE?

Anyone with information can call the Thembalethu Police on 044 802 8900 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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Meanwhile, a 54-year-old man was arrested while enjoying the comforts of the spectacular area of Wildnerness in George.

“Knysna Detectives, assisted by the Tsitsikamma K9 (Knysna Dog Unit) pounced on a residence in Wilderness near George earlier this morning, Thursday 20 January 2022 at about 10:00 where they arrested a 54-year-old wanted man who had been on the run since 2012 in connection with the theft of Kruger Rands to the estimated value of R7.8million,” said SAPS Captain Malcolm Pojie.

Following a nine-year chase, the suspect had allegedly stolen the valuable gold coins between 2011 and 2012.

“It is when the complainant (Owner of the Kruger Rands) presented the commodity to the suspect for safekeeping. At the time the suspect was working at a bank in Knysna and offer to safeguard the Kruger Rands.

The owner of the Kruger Rands had later demanded to have her coins back, the suspect had other ideas. He flatly refused before going on the run.

“The 54-year-old suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance on a charge of theft in the Knysna Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Friday, 21 January 2022,” Pojie added.

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