The Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team, Welkom Public Order Police and Phuthaditjhaba K9 Unit successfully rescued 30-year-old woman from two suspects who kept her hostage at SanPark near the river and we’re both arrested after shootout with the police.
It’s alleged that the woman and man are employees of Golden Gate, SANParks who were on duty busy inspecting cut fences along R714 near Basotho Cultural Village.
The two were approached by two men wearing balaclavas looked like seeking help. They were surprised when one pointed them with a firearm and demanded their cellphones and cash.
Unfortunately they didn’t have cash but man was instructed by suspects to go withdraw some cash whilst they kept his colleague hostage until he come.
They waited for him in the nearby bushy area.
Apparently, the driver who went to withdraw cash informed the local police of the situation he encountered in the veld and police use their tactics to approach both suspects.
Others were on foot and others were mobile. The suspects waited to get cash from the driver but were surprised by police, one of the started firing shots at police and police returned fire and one got shot on the leg.
They were both arrested and woman was rescued without any harm. Both their cellphones were recovered and suspects apprehended.
The firearm with filed off serial number was seized from suspects including a knife.
The two suspects have been charged and expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate court on Monday, 26 June 2023 facing charges of kidnapping, robbery and extortion.
A case of attempted murder is also registered against police shooting but referred to IPID for further handling.
