It took a neighbour’s call to a security company to alert them about a robbery in progress at a tavern that prevented a second robbery from taking place nearby, police in North West have revealed.
Not only that, but the suspects were caught off-guard when the security firm arrived at the second tavern, resulting in a shoot-out between the security officers and armed suspects in the Rustenburg area.
On the evening of Sunday, August 4, a neighbour in Rasimone village played a crucial role in prompting swift reaction from a security company based in Phokeng, said North West police spokesperson, Adele Myburgh.
The incident began when the owner of a local tavern and four customers were ambushed by three armed men who initially posed as customers.
During the attack, the 48-year-old tavern owner sustained a gunshot wound to his hand and a stab wound to his chest.
The suspects allegedly ran off with the cash register, liquor, cellphones, and a sound system.
The customers were unharmed, and the tavern owner received treatment at a local clinic and was discharged the same night.
Responding to the neighbour's call, a local security company swiftly arrived at the scene. They soon spotted the suspects' vehicle, a white Toyota bakkie, at another tavern in Robega village.
As the trio allegedly attempted to rob the second tavern, they opened fire on the security officers when they drove up.
The officers returned fire, resulting in the death of two suspects and the wounding of the third, who fled with a leg injury.
Police confiscated liquor, cellphones, a cash register, and a sound system from the bakkie, believed to be stolen from the tavern in Rasimone village.
Investigations also revealed that the Toyota bakkie used as a getaway car had been hijacked the previous day on Saturday, August 3, during a business robbery in Luka village.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the security company's swift response, which prevented a second robbery.
He emphasised the importance of community support in aiding the police to combat crime, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Authorities are seeking information to identify the injured suspect who escaped.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Sergeant Thabiso Sefora at 060 987 5578 or 082 375 4184, or reach out to SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the My SAPS app.
IOL News