A 46-year-old male was arrested whilst his two accomplices, a male and a female managed to flee after exchanging gunfire with security personnel who reacted to the alarm.
It is alleged that the suspects went to a cell phone shop in Klipfontein, Witbank on 24 January 2023 at about 14:00 and held the staff members at gunpoint.
It is further said that they enriched themselves with an undisclosed amount of cash as well as several mobile phones.
Whilst the robbery was still in progress, the security armed response team was activated.
The response team acted quickly and found the suspects still inside the shop.
A shootout then ensued between the suspects and the response team. The suspects opted for the possible escape routes available which led them to their gateway vehicle, a white Nissan bakkie which was parked close by.
Only one male and a female suspect managed to make it to their getaway vehicle but the third suspect was apprehended. He was reportedly found in possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, as well as the alleged robbed cell phones including cash.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 26 January 2023. He is facing a charge of business robbery and possession of unlicenced firearm with ammunition. Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding other charges as the investigation continues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the arrest as well as the recovery of unlicensed firearm, ammunition and the alleged items. The General further applauded members of the security officers who reacted swiftly and cornered the suspect.
