Business robbers still at large

By Staff Reporter

QWAQWA – Phuthaditjhaba police have launched a manhunt after a group of men armed with live ammunition forcefully entered Lediboho Shopping complex last week Saturday, 16 July.

According to police spokesperson in Thabo Mofutsanyana, Warrant Officer Christopher Mmako  Mophiring, the group of men who were hiding their faces with cloths, entered one of the shops in this centre on brought daylight and robbed it of an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.  “They fired three gun shots outside but no persons were injured,” said Mophiring.

The manager of the shop that was robbed, Thabo Sethebe, confirmed to this publication that the suspects who were wearing balaclavas entered their shop and took money and packs of cigarettes.

“It was during lunch time when one of our colleagues saw two suspicious men entering our store. Suddenly, one of them pointed her with a firearm. The suspects shot three times before they fled the scene in Etios, Ford Focus and Quantum vehicles,” said Sethebe.

This incident has left not only shoppers but also complex employees reeling in shock and fearing for their safety, as this is not the first time their stores have been robbed.

Duduzile Mahlaba has been working at this shopping centre for 21 years. She blamed the police for failing to respond quick enough.

“I was the one who first phoned the cops, but they failed to arrive in time. Now it’s even one hour later but there’s still no sign of them. Our lives are at risk in this centre,” said Mahlaba.  

Mophiring said police have launched a manhunt to find the perpetrators of the crime act.

“Any person with information that might lead to arrest of the suspects can contact the Phuthaditjhaba Police Station at 072 564 3200, Crime Stop 08600 10111, MySapsApp.

A case of business robbery is being investigated. No arrests have been made yet,” he said.