Robbers flee empty-handed after 71-year-old business owner disarms them
THE VUWANI police are investigating a case of attempted business robbery after the suspects fled from the scene and left a firearm behind after being disarmed by the business owner, the Limpopo police said.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the incident happened at around 10pm on Thursday.
“Allegedly, the victim, who is 71, was about to lock his café when two suspects entered as customers and suddenly pointed a firearm at him. They then demanded money,” said Mashaba.
“In the process, the victim overpowered the two suspects and grabbed the firearm from one of them. They immediately fled the scene on foot.”
The police were notified of the incident and a case of attempted business robbery was opened.
Mashaba said a manhunt for the suspects was under way.
He urged anyone with information that could lead to the arrests of the suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station or make us of the MySAPS app.
Police investigations are continuing.
Last month, the Limpopo police arrested six people, including a businessman from Gauteng, in connection with the brutal murder of a 61-year-old man during a business robbery that occurred at Marapong.
The murder happened at around 1am on October 16.
“The six suspects, aged between 30 and 40, were arrested on the same date, following an intelligence-led operation comprising members of the Crime Intelligence unit, Task Team, the K-9 unit and Detectives in collaboration with private security companies,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said at the time.
Preliminary investigations indicate that five assailants broke into a gas cylinder store, and while they were stealing the gas cylinders the owner heard some noise and went into the yard to investigate.
“Upon arrival, he apparently confronted the intruders who in return strangled him and thereafter loaded several gas cylinders into three motor vehicles and then fled the scene,” said Ledwaba.