NELSPRUIT – A total of five suspects aged between 27 and 40 from Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga were arrested in Leslie when swift police action foiled a business robbery on Saturday 15 October 2022.

At about 16:30 police received information from a reliable community member about a business robbery in progress.

Police swiftly proceeded to the scene where upon arrival, the alleged robbers had already held a 51-year-old shop owner, his wife, employees and customers hostage.

One robber who was in possession of suspected stolen properties is said to have allegedly pointed a firearm (handgun) on the members as he headed towards the door however, he was reportedly shot by the police. The handgun with its serial number filled off was retrieved from his possession. The injured suspect was then arrested as police invaded the supermarket. The second suspect was arrested as he attempted to use a six-year-old girl as a human shield.

The police continued with their search for more suspects until late evening when three more suspects were tracked and arrested whilst hiding inside the ceiling. The three suspects were apprehended and firearms with their serial numbers filled off were also found in their possession. In total, three firearms were confiscated from the suspects with ten live rounds of ammunition. The suspect who sustained injuries was taken to hospital where he is under police guard.

The four suspects are expected to appear before the Leslie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 18 October 2022 while the injured suspect will appear as soon as he is discharged from hospital.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded the dedication displayed by members and commended the whistle blower who alerted the police about the robbery in progress.

Source: South African Police Service