Nelspruit: The police are investigating an incident in which an alleged robber was shot and killed by the tavern owner at his business premises in Kabokweni outside Nelspruit. This incident is said to have occurred last night, 02 July 2022 around 23:50.

According to the information, three armed men entered a certain tavern in Kabokweni and held the patrons at gunpoint thereby instructing them to lie down. It is said that they robbed the victims of their personal belongings, which include mobile phones and cash before attempting to flee. It is further alleged that the tavern owner, aged 39 became aware of what was unfolding and he drew his firearm and fatally shot one of the men meanwhile the other alleged robbers are said to have fled the scene.

Police at Kabokweni as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident and upon their arrival they found the lifeless body of the alleged suspect with bullet wounds on the upper body as well as some of the alleged stolen cell phones belonging to the patrons. He was certified dead by the paramedics.

Police are probing the incident and a robbery case has been opened with an additional probe of an inquest. The circumstances surrounding the shooting will also form part of the investigation. The firearm that has been reportedly used in this incident has been ceased for further investigation. The deceased has not yet been identified as yet.

Police are also still in pursuit of the remaining alleged robbers and urge anyone with information that may assist in this investigation to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has raised her concern regarding violent crimes in the province whereby victims are robbed of their personal items which are then sold to others. “Members of the public should not hesitate to report such individuals who sell suspected stolen properties. People are advised not to buy such items because by doing so, they will be helping criminals to flourish in their market and stand a chance of being arrested if they are found in possession of stolen items” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service