The confrontation occurred at about 23:00 on Tuesday (18/11) during a joint operation at the Vaal Plaza tollgate. Police had circulated a lookout for a vehicle allegedly involved in an armed robbery in Bloemfontein earlier in the week.

Units from the Fezile Dabi Trio Task Team, the district organised crime combatting unit, highway patrol, and private security companies intercepted the vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the suspects, one man allegedly pointed a firearm at them, prompting a shootout.

Suspects were involved in a shoot-out with police. Photo: SAPS

Both suspects, aged 27 and 35, were injured. They received emergency treatment on the scene before being transported to hospital under police guard. No officers were injured, said Free State police spokesperson Capt. Loraine Earle. 

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate was notified in accordance with legal prescripts. A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the recovery of three firearms – two 9mm pistols and an AK-47 rifle – along with ammunition and jewellery believed to have been stolen during the recent robberies,” Earle said.

The scene was processed, and investigations continue to determine possible links to other incidents.

On Sunday (16/11), armed robbers targeted jewellery stores in two separate Bloemfontein shopping centres.

 Jewellery and other items seized at the crime scene. Photo: SAPS

At about 09:45, six men stormed Jewel Craft in Northridge Mall. They allegedly forced the owner and employees to sit on the floor before emptying the till and filling bags with jewellery. 

The suspects fled in a white Suzuki Amaze, taking jewellery valued at roughly R250,000. A case of business robbery was opened at Bayswater police station, said provincial police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane.

At 12:21, HDL Jewellers in Mimosa Mall was robbed by five armed men. Employees were again threatened with firearms and ordered to lie on the floor while the robbers took jewellery and an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects were all wearing black hats and surgical masks.

They fled in three vehicles: a white BMW, a white Volkswagen Golf 7, and a white Mercedes-Benz. Two shots were fired inside the shop, but no injuries were reported. A business-robbery case was opened at Parkweg police station, Covane said.

Free State police commissioner Lt. Gen. Baile Motswenyane commended the coordinated response in Tuesday night’s operation. “We appreciate the outstanding teamwork demonstrated in this operation. 

The arrest of these suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons undoubtedly prevents further violent crimes.”

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh