The two made their first appearance in the same court on Friday (21/11) and were remanded in custody until their next appearance. They were discharged from the hospital on Thursday.

The Free State Hawks have now taken over the investigation into the armed robberies at two jewellery stores in Bloemfontein.

The incidents occurred on Sunday (16/11) at Northridge Mall and Mimosa Mall just hours apart, in broad daylight. Two suspects between the ages of 27 and 35 were arrested on Tuesday night (18/11) following a brief shootout with the police at the Vaal Plaza toll gate.

“These suspects remain behind bars,” said Free State Hawks spokesperson Zweli Mohobeleli. “There have been no further arrests; investigations into the matter continue.

“The possibility the firearms could be involved in other crimes is being investigated. The firearms will be ballistically analysed. Police are still investigating whether the jewellery that was seized was stolen in the two robberies in Bloemfontein.”

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.

The robbers who robbed the jewellery stores in Bloemfontein could be linked to a robbery at the Walmer Park shopping centre in Gqeberha that happened on Tuesday (18/11), on the day of the arrests.

According to reports, the Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt. Majola Nkohli said at least three vehicles were involved in the robbery, and one of the vehicles was heading in the direction of Bloemfontein.

Meanwhile, police in Parys are searching for suspects linked to a business robbery that happened on Friday (21/11). It is alleged three employees, a man and two women, arrived at work on the day, and the man was forced into the store by a suspect who held an object that felt like a gun to his neck.

The man was tied up with cable ties and placed in the back bathroom, while the two women were taken to the office, where they were also tied up with cable ties

 “The suspect managed to open the safe, take an undisclosed amount of cash, and fled the scene on foot, leaving the employees locked in the store until they were able to call for help,” said Free State police spokesperson Josephine Rani.

“No arrest has been made yet, and the police continue with the investigation.”

Parys police request anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the investigating officer, Brian Van Rensburg, on 082 466 8094.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg