According to police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, three suspects were apprehended whilst receiving medical attention following the robbery at the bottle store where they took an undisclosed amount of cash. 

Thakeng says members of the police followed up on information indicating that the same three suspects were receiving medical attention at the Bongani Hospital. 

He says one of the suspects who sustained a bullet wound on his upper left shoulder during the crime, was also arrested and was under police guard whilst receiving medical attention.

"On the 16th of December 2022, at about 20:15, members of Welkom SAPS received a complaint of an armed robbery at a bottle store in Lois Street, Riebeeckstad, Welkom. 

"On arrival, there were four cartridges and the lifeless body of the business owner. There were [gun]shot wounds on his left thigh, neck, behind his left ear and left arm. 

"According to witnesses, three suspects jumped from a white Toyota Tazz with dark windows. 

"Allegedly one witness also fired several shots in the direction of the fleeing suspects," Thakeng adds.

The two accomplices, aged 20 and 27, were arrested and the 32-year-old suspect is under police guard at a hospital. 

The suspects will be facing charges of business robbery and murder. 

Thakeng did not say when the suspects will appear in court to face the aforementioned charges.

OFM News