KOMGA – A group of dangerous criminals, who stormed a local business in the small town of Komga on Monday morning, 02 August 2022, were left disappointed and embarrassed when their plan was disrupted by the South African Police Service members who braved and dared a deadly gunfire from the armed robbers.
According to the information, the incident took place in the morning just after the management and staff were knocking on duty. It is alleged that about five (5) armed suspects aged between 30 and 40 forcefully entered the business and began to demand safe keys from the manager, whilst other were locking and ordering the staff into steel cabinets.
The manager managed to press the panic button which prompted a quick reaction from the SAPS. As they arrived at the scene of crime, police came under an intense gunfire from the criminals who were armed with Pistols and assault rifles. As the police retaliated, the suspects gave up and were immediately arrested by the police. Three (3) of the suspects were injured during the shootout and rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, one (1) was fatally wounded and the other one (1) was arrested and is currently in police custody.
During the incident two firearm rifles and one pistol were confiscated, a grinder and a vehicle allegedly used by suspects to get to the business and which is believed to have been stolen. Cases of Business Robbery, Attempted Murder and Possession of suspected stolen vehicle are under investigation the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has hailed SAPS Operational members who demonstrated an act of heroism by facing ruthless criminals who seemed determined to kill with their deadly weapons. “Those suspects must face the full might of the law. Had our police officers not displayed courage and sacrifice in a volatile situation such as that, many lives would have been lost in that small town including our police officers,” said Lt Gen Mene.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Komga Magistrate Court once they are charged. Investigation continues.
Source: South African Police Service