The vigilant police officers noticed, whilst on patrol in Boitekong, two suspicious Toyota Quantum minibuses in the early hours of Friday morning, 23 September 2022.
However, the vehicles sped off after the occupants saw the police approaching. The watchful members called for back-up after realising that some of the occupants were wearing balaclavas. As a result, Phokeng K9 Unit and Lethabong police joined in the chase.
According to information, one of the vehicles was eventually intercepted at Mosenthal village and pulled off the road, but the occupants shot at the police, who returned fire.
Two of the occupants ran into the bushes while the other two were instantly arrested.
A thorough search by the police led to the apprehension of two more suspects after being found in the bushes. It was established that one of them sustained injuries during the shoot-out.
Police seized the vehicle, explosives and presumably stolen copper cables that were found inside the vehicle.
The suspects, aged between 36 and 28 will appear before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Monday, 26 September 2022, on charges of attempted murder, possession of explosives and possession of suspected stolen copper cables.
One of the suspects, who is currently admitted in hospital, will appear before court as soon as he is discharged.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed his gratitude to the members for their vigilance and executing their duties in such a manner that they survived the shooting incident, especially as September is observed as Police Safety month. He cautioned that an attack on a police officer is an attack against the state which will not be tolerated.
