GAUTENG- Four suspects aged between 29 and 39 years old will appear in the Fochville Magistrates' Court today, 19 July 2023, for attempted armed robbery and attempted murder. The suspects' appearance in court stems from their arrest on Monday, 17 July 2023 at Driefontein Assay Lab in West Rand. It is alleged that the complainant had arrived at Driefontein mine's Assay lab when an unknown number of suspects accosted and shot at his vehicle. He then managed to drive off into the shaft area to protect himself.
While other suspects were busy breaking down the gate to gain entrance into the building. Gun shots were exchanged between security officers and the suspects. During the shootout, the suspects realised that they were surrounded and started to flee the scene in different directions but four were arrested.
Preliminary investigation revealed that among the four suspects is a police officer. Explosives, ammunition and two 9mm pistols with serial numbers filed off were recovered from the scene.
Additional two suspects aged 34 and 39 years old were arrested last night, 18 July 2023 in Khuma, Stilfontein in connection with the Sibanye incident. The pair will appear in the Fochville Magistrates’ court tomorrow, 20 July 2023.
All suspects were charged with attempted armed robbery and attempted murder.