ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS BEHIND BARS

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA -Two men from Tseseng and Riverside villages in the eastern in the Eastern Free State who are facing charges of armed robbery have been remanded into custody until Monday next week when they are expected to apply for bail.

According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, the accused are Dinko John Mokebe (41) from Riverside near Phuthaditjhaba and his accomplice, Sophonia Mooko (30) from Tseseng.

The third suspect is still on run.

“It is alleged that on Sunday, 9 May 2021 at about 02:00 a woman and her brother-in-law were at home trying to open the door when they noticed that the door is broken. Suddenly, they were accosted by three suspects armed with a firearm and a knife. 

“They allegedly threatened the two and robbed them of their bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash believed to have been collected from their business place. In the process her brother-in-law allegedly confronted the suspects and managed to grab a jacket of one of the suspects. They made off on foot. He raised the alarm, after which neighbours tried to chase the suspects but they outran them.”

According to Makhele, the community members who rushed to assist the victims identified the vehicle as it belonged to someone, they knew even though the registration platers had been changed from FS to GP. The neighbours punctured one of the tyres to stop the car from moving.

“Upon realising that the community were onto him, the suspect went to the Tseseng police station to report his vehicle missing, but police officer apprehended him there and then as they were already on his case.”

The second suspect was later arrested with the of the victim’s husband and his nephew, who went his house and found him there. They then handed him over to the police.

Mokebe and Mooko appeared briefly before the Tseseng Magistrate court on Mondaythis week on charges of armed robbery. Their case has been postponed to May 17, 2021 for formal bail application.  

Meanwhile, police are still looking for the third suspect in this matter. The suspect’s vehicle and jacket were seized as part of the exhibits.

“I would like to appreciate the working together by both police and community in arresting the suspects. We appeal to the community to also assist with information that may lead to arrest of the third suspect,” said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Baile Motswenyane.