Collaborative efforts nets 5 suspects wanted for business robbery, attempted murder

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Members of the South African Police Service have arrest five suspects in connection with a business robbery and attempted murder that occurred in Koppies, Free State.

This comes after a collaborative efforts between various units such as Fezile Dabi Trio Task Team, Sedibeng Tracking Team, including other private security companies, to track down the suspects.

Following intelligence led information on Saturday, the team conducted a series of operations in Sedibeng, Johannesburg CBD, Soweto, Roodepoort, and Vosloorus, said Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.

He added that this resulted in the arrest of five suspects aged between 36 and 57 after they were found in possession of a stolen rifle and two pistols with filed-off serial numbers.

“The suspects have been transferred to Koppies, where they will face charges related to business robbery and attempted murder,” Makhele stated.

Provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane commended the outstanding teamwork and dedication displayed by the members involved in this operation.

Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched for two armed robbers who robbed a petrol filling station in Hospitaalpark, Bloemfontein.

According to Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, on Saturday at about 22:20, two armed males entered a convenience store at a petrol filling station in Currie Avenue. 

Suspects fled with the loot on foot

He said one was wearing a blue overall with a JoJo print and a red hat, and another suspect was wearing a blue top, hat with black pants and a blue mask.

“The suspect, wearing a blue overall and red hat approached the cashier and pointed her and another employee with a firearm. One of the suspects went behind the counter and started taking cigarettes and money from the cash register. 

“Two customers, who were also in the store, were forced behind the counter and one was hit on the head with a firearm and robbed. 

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“The suspects fled the scene on foot with stolen cigarettes and cash and no shots were fired. Parkweg police were called to the scene and a case of business robbery was opened for further investigation,” he explained. 

Kareli added that no arrest made as yet and police are pleading with anyone who might have information on the two robbers to contact crime stop hotline.