FICKSBURG – Two police officers and a supermarket employee are recovering from gunshot injuries sustained during a shootout with armed robbers in a robbery of a supermarket yesterday, Monday 3 August. One would-be robber was killed while his accomplices fled on foot in the event of the brazen robbery which reportedly occurred at about 18:00.

Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the Free State police, said two officers and a supermarket employee were transported to different hospitals for emergency medical treatment, adding that investigation was continuing to determine the origin of the deceased robber, whether what else may have been taken from an established supermarket.

“One suspected armed robber was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Members recovered a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, together with ammunition next to the deceased robber. The other suspects fled the scene on foot under the cover of darkness,” said Mophiring, adding that police have launched a manhunt for the armed robbers on the run. The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistics to determine if was used in other crimes.

He said members of the Ficksburg police responded to an emergency call reporting a business robbery in progress at a chain supermarket. “Upon arrival, members of the public were fleeing the store in panic. As police approached, suspects allegedly opened fire on them, prompting officers to return fire, fatally wounding one suspect,” said Mophiring.

He said cases of business robbery and three counts of attempted murder, including an inquest docket were registered for investigation. “An inquest docket relating to the deceased has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established,” said Mophiring.

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