Marapyane business robbers arrested in Mmametlhake

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A 35 years old man is set to make a court appearance tomorrow at Mbibana Magistrates Court to face charges of business robbery and possession of stolen property.

The suspect was arrested during “Operation Shanela” not long after allegedly committing the crime with his accomplice in Marapyane, this past Thursday around 17:50.

Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said that information at their disposal suggests that a group of armed men stormed into the shop under the presence of wanting to buy some items.

When a male person who was selling at the time opened the burglar door to assist them, they suddenly shove him inside the shop whilst wielding firearms.

“It is further reported that they demanded for cash and assaulted him, took undisclosed amount of cash from the till, three mobile phones as well as other groceries then fled the scene, leaving the victim behind helpless on the floor.”

Colonel also said that the officials were made aware of the crime by a customer who went into the shop only to find the victim helpless.

Whilst on the lookout for the said VW Polo that was used in committing the crime, the vehicle fitting the description was spotted kilometers away from the crime scene in Mmametlhake. A high speed chase ensued even after failing to stop after being ordered to stop by the police.

That was until they decided to abandon the vehicle and ran into the nearby bush to evade arrest. Upon close interaction with the vehicle, one suspect was found inside and arrested as well as an undisclosed amount of cash, groceries, music speaker, and some sneakers in the boot of the vehicle.

The vehicle as well as the recovered items were confiscated for further investigation. Preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle belongs to the brother of the arrested man.