SAPS Police Free State Bloemfontein Abduction

Photo: Unsplash

SAPS latest: Two dead after botched business robberies in KZN and EC

SAPS said two suspects allegedly involved in business robberies in different provinces died during their getaways.

SAPS Police Free State Bloemfontein Abduction

Photo: Unsplash

Two alleged business robbers died in separate incidents recently. In Gqeberha, on Friday, 30 April, one suspect was killed when the alleged robbers’ getaway vehicle was involved in a three-vehicle collision while another suspect was wounded in a shootout with police in Umlazi on Thursday.

SUSPECTED ROBBER KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT, SAY POLICE

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), five suspects allegedly entered a retail shop in Kempston Road and held staff at gunpoint. The suspects made their demands and shot one female cashier in the leg before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, a cell phone and stock with an estimated value of R5000 in two getaway vehicles – a white Honda Ballade and a Silver Citroen.

As they made their escape, the suspects were involved in a traffic collision which had fatal consequences. The Honda knocked a red Volkswagen Caddy into a truck. The suspect driving the Honda died at the scene while one other suspect in the vehicle was injured – the others fled on foot.

The injured suspect and driver of the red van were taken to hospital. The truck did not suffer any injuries in the accident.

“Some of the stolen property was found in the Honda Ballade,” said Captain Andre Beetge.

“Police are investigating a case of business robbery and culpable homicide. Names of the deceased and injured are unknown at this stage,” added Beetge.

He said more arrests are expected to follow.

SHOOTOUT IN KZN LEAVES ONE SUSPECT DEAD

Seven armed men robbed a business in Arbour Road, Amanzintoti on Thursday, 29 April. They ransacked the premises and fled the scene but were later spotted by a SAPS patrol in Umlazi. A shootout ensued, which led to the death of one suspect while two others were arrested.

At 13:00 on Thursday, seven armed men allegedly entered a business premises in Arbour Road, Amanzimtoti and instructed the business owner and customers, which included an off-duty police officer, to be quiet.

The suspects, who were wearing masks and gloves, then proceeded to ransack the business, taking seven laptops, as well as the off-duty cop’s service pistol. The robbers fled the scene in two getaway vehicles.

A case of robbery was opened at the Amanzimtoti police station. Half an hour later – at 13:30 – a SAPS K9 unit in Umlazi spotted one of the getaway vehicles involved in the robbery while doing patrols in the area. Police pursued the suspects’ vehicle and a shootout took place. Three suspects were arrested when the vehicle was eventually intercepted.

“A 35-year-old suspect sustained two gunshot wounds on the chest during a shootout and was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries,” said police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele.

The other suspects, aged 28 and 34, were taken to the Umlazi police station and charged with robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and attempted murder. The suspects were found with 1 firearm, 20 rounds of ammo, two firearm magazines and six suspects.

The two suspects will appear in court imminently while the police continue to search for the four remaining suspects.