The police in Phalaborwa are looking for a suspect who was involved in an assault and house robbery in Swift Street on Wednesday around 20:00.
The suspect fled after he and his alleged accomplice had an accident with the Toyota Land Cruiser in which they fled the crime scene. The second suspect was arrested at the scene of the accident, but later died in hospital.
According to col. Malesela Ledwaba, police spokesperson, said the two suspects entered the house of a 67-year-old man and attacked him.
“The victim was hit on the head with a sharp object and tied with curtain cords.”
The suspects reportedly ransacked the house and robbed the owner of several items before driving away in the victim’s Toyota Land Cruiser.
The police were notified and were called to the scene along with members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF). The stolen vehicle was spotted in the area shortly afterwards.
“When the suspects saw the police, they started driving at high speed, after which a chase followed,” says Ledwaba.
The suspects later lost control of the vehicle on a road between Makhushaneng and Phalaborwa, after which one suspect ran away. However, the other suspect sustained serious injuries.
“He was arrested and rushed to the local hospital under police guard, but later died in hospital.”
The stolen property was recovered at the scene of the accident and three firearms were also seized: a revolver with the serial number filed off, a Norinco, also with a serial number filed off, and one 9 mm Parabellum pistol.
“The deceased’s name is known, but he has not yet been identified by his family.”
Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe, provincial commissioner in Limpopo, praised the police and members of the public for their decisiveness and quick response which led to the arrest and recovery of goods.
“We need this unity in the fight against crime.”
Police investigations are ongoing.
