EMBALENHLE- Police have arrested four suspects in connection with an attempted murder and business robbery that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 16 February at a local tavern in Extension 22.
Police say the suspects allegedly arrived at the tavern at closing time and demanded money from the owner, who was standing at the door.
“When the owner did not comply, he was shot in the thigh. The suspects then forced him behind the counter and demanded more money. Upon informing them that there was no additional money available, he was shot again in the other thigh. The suspects further demanded cellphones from patrons inside the tavern. All patrons were reportedly robbed of their cellphones before the suspects fled the scene,” reads a statement.
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After the incident, police activated intelligence-driven operations, and informers were strategically deployed in the area. Information was received about a group of males seen drinking at a certain address, with a vehicle matching the description of the one allegedly used during the commission of the crime parked outside the premises.
Following a tip-off, police went to the identified address. Upon arrival, only one suspect was found at the house, as the others had already left in the vehicle. During a search, officers discovered a firearm on a bed and the suspect was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm. He then provided information regarding the whereabouts of the other suspects.
A vehicle with two occupants was traced, stopped and search where a revolver was found in the driver’s possession. One of the other occupants fled the scene before he could be apprehended.
Further investigation led police to a traditional healer who is alleged to have assisted the suspects after the commission of the crime. Police requested and were granted permission to search the healer’s hut. During the search, a revolver and a rifle were recovered. The traditional healer was also arrested.
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In total, four suspects were arrested and are facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, attempted murder, and business robbery. The vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
The four suspects are expected to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court today.
