A male suspect was arrested and another fatally wounded during a shootout with the police who responded to a business robbery in Oukasie Location near Brits on Monday, 20 December 2021.
It is alleged that a 31-year-old bottle store manager in Masenkeng Section, was hit in the face with a firearm by one of the two armed suspects who entered the store at about 10:30. Furthermore, the suspect fired one shot and instructed the victim to lie down. Thereafter, the suspects forced the victim to open a storage room where they took an undisclosed amount of cash, an Ipad and an Iphone as well as mixed brands of cigarettes.
Police were informed about the incident and swiftly responded. Upon following up, four men matching the description of the suspects, were spotted near the railway line. As the police approached the men who were armed with handguns, they allegedly shot at the police who returned fire. Consequently, the suspects fled in the direction of a nearby field of lucerne. One of the suspects dropped a firearm whilst fleeing and was eventually cornered and apprehended at a nearby shack.
In pursuing the remaining suspects and searching for the firearm dropped by the arrested suspect, the members called for back-up. According to reports, a second suspect allegedly emerged from the bushes and shot at the police. A chase ensued after the suspect fled on foot until at the entrance to Oukasie at Masenkeng Section where the shootout continued. In the process, the suspect was fatally wounded while a police officer was also shot on the left wrist. A Girsan 9mm Parabellum handgun with a filed off serial number and loaded with five live rounds as well as 16 ammunition in a box and one Nokia cellular phone were found in his possession. Moreover, at the Lucerne field, members recovered a Glock 17 handgun that was dropped by the arrested suspect, also with serial number filed off and loaded with 16 live rounds.
Following the incidents, a case of business robbery, two counts of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as inquest docket were registered.
A 38-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 22 December 2021.
Investigation into the matter, including tracing of the remaining suspects, is underway.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended members for their swift response that resulted in the arrest and pointed out that no amount of force will deter the police from doing their work. He further wished an injured member a speedy recovery.
Source: South African Police Service