Five robbers arrested shortly after the attempted robbery of a tuck shop owner in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 5 September, are remanded in custody while the police continue with their investigation. The police managed to recover the firearm the brazen men used during the robbery.
The culprits are Neo Mofokeng (43), Ayanda Dlabu (34), Kholisile Motsikoe (34), Mbukeli Cebe (35), and Pule Maphala (39). They are set to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on 14 September to apply for bail. They briefly appeared in court a day after committing the crime.
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, Free State police spokesperson, said the items the five men took were recovered during their arrest. This was made possible through teamwork by members of the Bloemfontein Flying Squad, Provincial Anti-Gang unit, Bloemfontein K9 unit, and Parkweg Crime Prevention unit. Kareli said the would-be-armed robbers ambushed the small business owner broad-daylight, at about 14:00.
He said the suspects attacked the victim after he parked his white NP200 bakkie at his place of business. They were cornered before vanishing with the loot.
“One of the suspects allegedly pointed a firearm at the tuck shop owner, instructing him to lay on the ground. Upon their arrival at the scene, police members were given a clear description of the suspects and a lookout was issued to patrolling vehicles, leading to the arrest near a church in Letsoala Street, Rocklands,” said Kareli.
He said after the men were cornered and searched, police members confiscated the firearm, which was found to be a black-coloured handgun with a magazine. The robbers face a charge of robbery with a fireman.
