Police station robber nabbed, and all firearms recovered

One of three men who allegedly robbed the Tsineng police station robbery in Kuruman has been arrested, Northern Cape on Tuesday.

According to the Hawks spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi three armed suspects allegedly entered Tsineng police station pretending to file a complaint.

While the police officer was busy addressing them, one of the suspects jumped over the counter and pointed her with a firearm.

“The police officer was then ordered to open a safe, and suspects managed to flee with eight pistols, three rifles, and two short guns with live ammunition. No shots were fired, and no injuries were sustained.”

The investigation team followed up on information provided by the public about the robbery.

“A multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Highway patrol, Dog Unit, and Local Criminal Record Centre yielded good results leading to the arrest of the man for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.”

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Mnisi said the investigation team recovered all firearms and ammunition.

“The team is anticipating more arrests.”

The 41-year-old man is expected to appear in the Kuruman Magistrates court on Thursday, 5 August 2021.

The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele said this should be a lesson for criminals who think they can hide.

“While the speedy arrest by the SAPS is commendable, the community must also be lauded for bringing forward information that has led to the arrests.

“Let this be a lesson for criminals who think they can hide, that communities are sick and tired of crime and are increasingly working together with the police to squeeze out crime.”

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation commended the speedy response by the team.

“Many lives have been saved by the recovery of these firearms.”

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