The swift response by the police officers from Bulwer, Boston, Pietermaritzburg Flying Squad and K9 Unit led to the arrest of four men and the recovery of firearms, stolen cash as well as two vehicles.
It is alleged that on 16 November 2020, at 10:15, a group of armed men entered the entered the supermarket in Bulwer and demanded cash. They took an undisclosed amount of cash, robbed a customer, two security guards of their firearms and fled in their getaway vehicles.
Whilst fleeing, RTI officers conducted a roadblock and gunshots were fired towards them when they attempted to stop the vehicles, injuring one officer aged 29. He was taken to hospital for medical attention. A case of robbery and attempted murder was opened at Bulwer police station for investigation.
Police swiftly responded to the incident which led them to Sweetwaters in the Plessislaer policing area where three men were arrested. The fourth man was arrested in the Boston area. Police recovered stolen cash and two firearms, a pistol and a shotgun.
Two getaway vehicles were also seized. Upon further investigation, it was established that the pistol was stolen in Durban Central in 2007 and that one of the vehicles was reportedly hijacked this month in Scottburgh.
The suspects will appear at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of robbery, attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property and illegal possession of firearms.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula applauded the perseverance of the police officers for promptly responding to the incident which resulted in the swift arrests.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
