Tebogo Msimanga |
A 23-year-old male suspect was fatally shot by police during a business robbery which was reportedly carried out at Mangweni near Tonga on Thursday, 30 December 2021. Another suspect was arrested by the police and the third suspect managed to flee.
The police report indicates that a group of about three armed suspects stormed into a certain shop at Mangweni. It is alleged that three suspects made off with cash and airtime vouchers which were robbed at gunpoint.
Police Spokesperson Captain Gugu Phiri said the police were informed and swiftly went to the scene where they noticed the suspects, one of them had a firearm whilst another was carrying a bag.
“The police gave chase, and in the process, the suspect with the firearm was fatally shot. A firearm was seized on the scene and the other suspect, aged 23 was arrested with a bag which had the suspected stolen items, including cash and airtime vouchers.”
Captain Phiri added that the police are still looking for the third suspect” The arrested suspect. “Bongani Mahlangu appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court and he is remanded in custody until 04 January 2022 for a formal bail application.” Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges to the suspect.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela raised her concern about the rapid increase of firearms around the province which are mostly used in the commission of the violent crime.
