Swift police action leads to arrest of tavern robbers

Thabazimbi – The police successfully apprehended two male suspects involved in a daring tavern robbery in Thabazimbi. The incident, on Friday evening 23 February 2024, saw three assailants forcefully entering a local tavern, pointing a gun at employees and patrons, and making off with cellphones and an undisclosed sum of cash.

The robbery, executed with a brazen display of firepower, included the discharge of shots before the suspects fled the scene on foot, miraculously leaving no one injured. Alerted to the crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Thabazimbi launched an immediate manhunt, leading to the arrest of two of the suspects in the early hours of the next day. The apprehended individuals, aged 31 and 44, were caught while attempting to hitchhike to Bela-Bela, found with an illegal firearm and ammunition, suspected to be the very tools used in the robbery.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspects faced the Thabazimbi Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 February 2024, on serious charges including business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Despite these arrests, the search continues for the third suspect, still at large.

The police have issued an appeal to the public for any information that may lead to the capture of the remaining fugitive. If you have any information about this man, please reach out to captain Thandi Bvuma at 082 565 7939, or use the crime stop number (08600 10111) or use the MySAPSApp.