North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, says the court appearance emanated from an incident reported on Wednesday 8 September 2021 at a cellphone shop at the Moruleng Mall in Mogwase.

“It is alleged that three male persons entered the shop, two suspects went straight to the back of the shop and one stood at the till and pointed the cashier with a firearm. He instructed the cashier to hand over the cash.  Meanwhile, the other two suspects at the back of the shop packed cellular phones inside plastic bags. The fourth suspect was waiting in a getaway vehicle,” Botma says.

According to North West police spokesperson, Aafje Botma, they will remain in custody until their next court appearance.

“While they were leaving the shop, two police officers, who were outside the Mall busy with crime prevention duties, noticed the robbery and chased them. The suspects ran in different directions, but an officer managed to apprehend one of the suspects. The other police member followed two of the suspects on foot, who jumped inside the getaway vehicle. He allegedly fired shots at the tyres of the suspect’s vehicle. Ultimately they were arrested with the help of community members,” Botma adds.

One suspect evaded arrest. No one was injured during the incident and all the cell phones were recovered inside the vehicle. The Provincial Commissioner, Sello Kwena, commended the police for their swift reaction and readiness. He also thanked the community for assisting the police to apprehend the suspects, who will face the full might of the Law. “The suspects are aged 24, 29 and 30 years,” Botma adds.

OFM News/Blaine Jones