A group of suspects were arrested in Mpumalanga following a string of armed robberies that occurred between Friday, 5 September, and Saturday, 6 September.
The group allegedly targeted a church and a tavern before being intercepted by police on the N4.
According to a police report, during the first incident at the church, a 14-year-old was injured when the suspects opened fire. The child was taken to a local hospital for medical attention. The second robbery was carried out at the tavern.
SUSPECTS NABBED FOLLOWING CRIME SPREE
Members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team and Dog Unit arrested the five suspects. They were found in possession of multiple cellphones, a laptop, cash, and three 9mm pistols with ammunition.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 September. They face several charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of suspected stolen property.
SUSPECT SHOT DEAD AFTER MOSQUE ROBBERY
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 22-year-old suspect was shot dead after allegedly robbing congregants at a mosque. Two suspects reportedly held worshippers at gunpoint before robbing one person of their phone and cash. One suspect allegedly opened fire, injuring three people, before another worshipper retaliated and fatally shot him. The second suspect fled the scene.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the incidents. He warned that robberies at places of worship will not be tolerated.
“We recently indicated that we are working collaboratively with Faith-Based Organisations to deal with this trend of robberies. Perpetrators should be warned, and we believe that the arrest of the five will assist in resolving some of these cases. This is just the beginning, and we are hopeful that we will overcome this challenge.”
HOW DO YOU THINK ENOUGH IS BEING DONE TO PREVENT VIOLENT ROBBERIES?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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