JOHANNESBURG – Two armed robbers wounded during a shootout with Johannesburg police were hospitalised, while ten accomplices are in custody following their arrest in connection with the robbery of a coffee supplier.

Those who are not hospitalised are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today – Friday. They face charges ranging from armed business robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of a hijacked motor vehicle. The armed suspected robbers include five South Africans, three Malawians, two Zimbabweans and two Mozambicans.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the 12 suspects were arrested on Wednesday, shortly after robbing a coffee supplier’s warehouse in Laser Park, Honeydew, Johannesburg District.

Muridili said their arrest followed a high-speed chase after they robbed the business during the day. “A stolen vehicle used as a getaway was later found abandoned in Zandspruit. Police recovered one 9mm firearm loaded with two live rounds of ammunition, as well as 21 stolen bags of coffee. The estimated value of the recovered stolen property is approximately R2 070 000,” said Muridili.

She said the robbery began when three unknown suspects entered the warehouse posing as customers. “Once inside, they produced a firearm and threatened the complainant before demanding the panic button and the keys to the safe. The suspects then robbed employees of their cellphones, stole 21 bags of coffee and fled the scene in an NP200 bakkie belonging to a customer,” said Muridili.

“Approximately 500 metres from the scene, the suspects were intercepted by security personnel, with support from various law enforcement agencies. During the ensuing pursuit, two suspects were wounded and subsequently arrested. They were transported to Helen Joseph Hospital under police guard for medical treatment,” said Muridili.

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