Giyani police have launched an inquiry into a shooting incident that occurred following a heist, killing one suspect and injuring another.
The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Bode village. According to reports, a foreign national business owner and his employee were on their way to deliver supplies when they were approached by a group of armed suspects in a white Toyota Corolla. The suspects stole the victims’ cash and telephones before driving away in their bakkie.
The victim immediately notified the tracker firm and the local police. The security officer quickly discovered the vehicle in the bushes on the road between Giyani and Malamulele in South Africa. Upon arrival, the suspects and the security officer engaged in a gunfight.
In the aftermath, one suspect was killed and the other was injured. The remaining suspects fled the scene on foot.
When police arrived on the scene, they discovered the robbed vehicle, which included the stock, telephones, two weapons, used cartridges, housebreaking tools, live rounds of ammunition, an undisclosed amount of money, and the perpetrators’ vehicle.
The security officer survived the encounter unscathed.
According to early evidence, the suspects robbed a spaza shop in the same neighbourhood before the event.Furthermore, the suspects’ vehicle has been reported stolen in Mankweng.
Police are meticulously investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragedy to determine the chain of events and ensure justice is served.
Police have initiated investigations into murder, robbery with a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property. Additional charges may be made as police investigations continue.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the teams’ combined efforts, which resulted in the arrest and recovery of stolen goods, rifles, and ammunition.
Police ask anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals to call Colonel Jan Mbhalathi at 082 565 6491, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, the local Police Station, or the MySAPS App.