A 35-year-old man is behind bars on allegations of an attempted business robbery as
well as for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The man was cornered by the police at
Masoyi this morning, Tuesday 11 April around 11h30 am when he together with his
accomplice were reportedly trying to rob a victim.
It is said that a Bangladeshi Foreign National was at his place at the time when two
armed suspects stormed into his premises and demanded cash from him. Fortunately
enough, Masoyi SAPS members were patrolling in that vicinity when came across the
attempted robbery incident in progress.
The astute members then responded accordingly. The two suspects reportedly fled on
foot upon noticing the Police however the members gave chase. Upon realizing that the
men and women in Blue were not begging down, one of the suspects opened fire
directed at the members who defended themselves by firing back.
One of the suspects somehow evaded the arrest meanwhile the other one who
allegedly fired the shots sustained some injuries after being shot in the leg. He was
eventually apprehended and a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off was seized
from his possession.
He is currently under a heavy police guard in the hospital. The man is faced with a
charge of attempted robbery as well as for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The
firearm though will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in
other criminal activities previously. More charges could be added against him as the
investigation continues. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is also
investigating the shooting incident. He is expected to appear in court soon and police
are still in pursuit of the remaining suspect.