THEY planned to rob a general store of cash, but the four armed thugs got more than what they bargained for.
The suspects entered the store in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Wednesday, 8 May, and allegedly pointed a firearm at the cashier who was helping customers at the pay point. They then instructed everyone to lie down while they demanded cash.
But one of the employees allegedly closed the steel door and the suspect carrying a firearm approached the employee and they fought over the gun.
A shot went off, which hit one of the suspects. The three other suspects managed to flee with an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash registers, leaving behind their injured acomplice.
The incident was caught on CCTV and since has gone viral on social media. Shoppers said what they saw was like something from a movie.
“Everyone was shocked and ran for life immediately after the gun was fired. The employee was brave to take on someone who had a gun, I would have run to save my life,” said a bystander (26).
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Another bystander (34) said the suspect who was shot got what he deserved.
“This was a robbery gone wrong and ended in tears. These thugs are no longer afraid, that’s why they rob people even during the day,” he said.
Limpopo police spokesman, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect, who is in his 30s, was allegedly shot and injured during a robbery.
He said police have opened a business robbery and attempted murder case.
“Police were notified about the incident and responded swiftly. The injured suspect was arrested and rushed to hospital for medical attention under police guard,” he said.
Ledwaba added that the suspect will appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court soon and that police investigations are underway.
“Anyone with information regarding the other suspects should contact Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Joseph Malebana on 072 492 9635, CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station,” he said.
