MPUMALANGA. – Alleged home robbers were arrested early Sunday morning around 02:45 after a shootout with police foiled their plans. One suspect was injured.
Captain Magonseni Nkosi said police were conducting an operation following up on a suspected home robbery. Officers spotted a suspicious white VW Polo without license plates. Shots were fired from the car at police, who then returned fire. Three suspects jumped out and fled into the bushes.
The vehicle, still containing suspects, sped away, with police in pursuit. The car was found at a location with one suspect who had gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. Another suspect was hiding on the same premises, found with VW keys on him.
“While police were still processing the second scene, a grey VW Jetta arrived. When the occupants saw the police, they exited and opened fire. Police returned fire, and the suspects fled on foot.”
Nkosi said two firearms were recovered in the Polo. A bag, allegedly stolen in July containing an unknown amount of money from a victim, was also found.
“A total of 28 R5 rifle casings and 10 9mm pistol casings were found at both scenes.”
The vehicles and firearms were confiscated for further investigation.
A suspect, aged 30, appeared today in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court, while his co-accused, aged 38, is under police guard in a hospital and is expected to appear in court soon.
