Three robbery suspects at a certain fuel station reportedly came into a crossfire with an off duty Police Officer immediately after staging a robbery. The incident occurred in the late afternoon of Wednesday, 05 July 2023 at Acornhoek near Bushbuckridge.

According to information, it is said that on the said day around 17:45, three armed suspects stormed into the shop at the fuel station and held the cashier at gunpoint. The suspects then robbed the victim and took an undisclosed amount of cash, airtime as well as some cigarettes.

It is further indicated that as the suspects were about to flee from the scene, an off duty police officer, who was somehow alerted about the incident, came into the shop. The member bravely confronted the armed suspects and a shootout ensued between the police member and the suspects. It is also reported that during this engagement, the member managed to shot one of the robbers however his accomplices are said to have carried him to the getaway vehicle and together, they fled the scene.

A case of business robbery with a count of attempted murder is being investigated by the Police. So far no one has been arrested and the Police are still in pursuit of the suspects with a hope to soon bring them to book.

Police urge anyone who might have information on the whereabouts of the suspects or perhaps know of a person who could have been shot recently and seeking medical attention to immediately alert the Police by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended the bravery displayed by the off duty police officer. “We are on the heels of these suspects and soon they will behind bars” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service