The police at Sabie swiftly responded to a business robbery on Saturday, 30 December 2023 around 15:15 and managed to corner the suspects whereby a shootout ensued. One suspect who was reportedly in possession of a firearm, was fatally shot meanwhile another suspect, aged 24 was arrested.
According to a report on that said day, a business robbery was carried out at Sabie at the certain business premises by a group of about four armed suspects who stormed into the supermarket and held the victims at gunpoint. It is further reported that the suspects robbed the owner of undisclosed amount of cash and fled. However, members of the police were somehow alerted about the incident and they quickly responded. It was during this time when the astute members spotted the suspects who were running. The members also ran after them and it is reported that the suspects suddenly fired some shots at the police. The members reportedly fired back and one suspect was shot then sustained some injuries meanwhile another suspect was fatally shot.
A 9mm pistol as well as about 11 live ammunition reportedly found in the possession of the suspect who was fatally shot. The other suspects managed to evade the arrest as they fled and are still at large. Members of the police were reportedly not injured during the shooting. The injured suspect was taken to hospital for medical treatment where is under police guard.
A case with a count of business robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and an inquest is being investigated.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will be investigating the shooting incident.
The police are still in pursuit of the other two suspects and members of the public are urged to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 are send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential. Callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect. The General also commended members for the swift response to the business robbery that was in progress. “We appreciate the caliber of men and women in Blue who are eager to serve the community by ensuring their safety as well as their properties,” said the General.
