The male suspect was arrested and another fatally wounded during a shootout with the police, who responded to a business robbery in the Oukasie Location near Brits on Monday.

It is alleged a 31-year-old bottle store manager in Masenkeng Section was hit in the face with a firearm by one of the two suspects.

Furthermore, the suspect fired one shot and instructed the victim to lie down.

Thereafter, the suspect allegedly forced the victim to open a storage room, where they took an undisclosed amount of cash, an Ipad and an Iphone as well as different brands of cigarettes.

According to police spokesperson, Sam Tselanyane, police were alerted to the incident and swiftly responded.

OFM News' Blaine Jones reports upon following up, men matching the description of the suspects were spotted near the railway line.

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.

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 to 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 9mm handgun with a filed off serial number and loaded with five live rounds as well as 16 rounds of ammunition in a box and one Nokia cellular phone were found in his possession. "Moreover, at the 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 an unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as ab inquest docket were registered," says Tselanyane.

Investigation into the matter, including tracing of the remaining suspect, is underway.

OFM News