According to information, it is alleged that a spaza shop owned by a foreign national was targeted at Thuthukani in Standerton in the early hours of Friday morning. 

It is alleged that, at the time of the incident, the owner of a spaza shop was asleep in one of the rooms when he heard some strange noise outside. Further reports states that when he went out to look, three suspects attacked him. It was during this time when he was allegedly assaulted with a handgun gun then robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash as well as two of his mobile phones.

Meanwhile during that time, CPF members were conducting patrol duties in the area around 06h00 am and information about the robbery reached their ears. They then managed to track down one of the suspects. At that point, they found him in possession of the said weapon.

The suspect was arrested and Police charged him for business robbery as well as for possession of unlicensed firearm.

Police are still in the hunt for the other two outstanding suspects and members of the public with information on their whereabouts are urged to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended the CPF members for their unwavering commitment in the fight against crime.

The suspect is expected to appear at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today.