QONCE - Alert Flying Squad and Sector Team members responded to a call from one of the businesses in King Williams Town CBD after five armed robbery suspects stormed into the shop and demanded money and took cellphones on Wednesday, 09 February 2023 at about 03:54, Walker Street in King Williams Town.
Preliminary investigation revealed that five male suspects aged between 21 and 40 entered the business and held up the security guards and staff members and demanded money. In the process, they also looted new cell-phones and undisclosed amount of money. The unidentified suspects later escaped in two vehicles a Silver Grey Toyota Corolla and Toyota Hilux Dakar-Charcoal in colour with two different number plates.
SAPS members pursued the suspects who ran away towards Rhayi Locality a few Kilometres outside King Williams Town. Together with a tracking company, they managed to locate the fugitives in a yard allegedly belonging to a Bishop of local church and who is also a traditional healer. As the police entered the premises, they were confronted with a hail of bullets from the suspects, some of whom ran away from the police. Three of the suspects were subsequently arrested during the exchange of gunfire which left two of them injured and were transported to the local hospital for medical care.
The alleged traditional healer and another man who were found in the house were also arrested. In his place, some money, fire-arms and cell-phones were recovered. Two other suspects who were together with the arrested three in connection with the business robbery are still at large.
Cases of business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen property have been registered for a further investigation. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in King Williams Town Magistrate Court once they are charged.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has hailed the sterling work of the SAPS members who risked their lives to protect people and their businesses. “Had the police not confiscated these fire-arms, they could have been used to kill and maim innocent people. Those who ran away must be found in order to account for their actions” Lt Gen Mene said.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects who are still on the run, is requested to please make contact with the Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mthunzi Mohamet at 082 441 9230 or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Source: South African Police Service