PHUTHADITJHABA: 21 February 2023: The foreign national who allegedly robbed suspect his cellphone at gun point was finally arrested two hours after a team effort and assistance from the community.
On Monday, 20 February 2023 at approximately 14:00 District Office team was on the way to state garage when stopped by devastated man along the Mota road alleging that two suspects had just robbed him of his cellphone at gunpoint and they weren't far from there. The complainant showed team the suspects who immediately upon seeing police bakkie ran towards open field and cross over the overflowing river after being chased by the police and community members. One of the suspects was in possession of firearm as he threatened community members who were trying to stop him but that couldn't despair them from pursuing the suspect and helping the complainant . As community and other police members, Highway Patrol, Dog Unit and Tactical Response Team came in numbers, the suspect went into hiding inside bushy trees.
At about 16:30 the police searched without retreat and finally found the suspect inside a dense bushy area and took him out. The suspect in his 30s was arrested and kept in custody even though firearm wasn't found. The amazing persistence in full view of community who applauded police for great work. The other suspect is still being traced. A case of robbery with firearm is being investigated.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate court on Wednesday facing charge of armed robbery.