Six suspected robbers, including a police officer, are behind bars after they apparently tried to rob the Driefontein mine’s test laboratory on the West Rand in Gauteng.
According to col. Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Hawks, said the complainant arrived at the laboratory on Monday when the suspects opened fire on his vehicle.
“He (the complainant) rushed to the shaft area to protect himself,” says Mogale.
More suspects were breaking down the gate to gain access to the building.
“A shootout broke out between security officers and the suspects. During the shootout, the suspects realized they were surrounded by security officers and began to flee the scene in different directions. Four of the suspects, between 29 and 39 years old, were arrested.”
Preliminary investigation indicates that one of the suspects arrested is a police officer.
“Explosives, ammunition and two 9 mm pistols, the serial number of which had been filed off, were confiscated.”
Two more suspects, respectively 34 and 39 years old, were arrested on Tuesday evening in Khuma and Stilfontein.
The four suspects who were arrested first are expected to appear in the Magistrate’s Court in Fochville on Wednesday. The remaining two suspects will appear in the same court on Thursday.
All six suspects are facing charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
