Yesterday morning, police officers from the Ladysmith K9 Unit were in Ladysmith when they were alerted to a robbery at a business premises in Illing Street and proceeded to the area. On arrival, they saw three men leaving the premises on foot and a chase ensued. Police approached the suspects near the taxi rank and shots were fired. Two men aged 21 and 25 were shot and injured. Police recovered a pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition and a toy gun. They were both taken to hospital for medical attention where a 25-year-old succumbed to his injuries. A 21-year-old is still in hospital under police guard.
It is alleged that on 24 September 2020 at 09:30, three armed men entered a business premises and demanded cash. They opened the safe with cellphones and police arrived whilst they were still packing. A case of attempted business robbery was opened at Ladysmith SAPS. The injured suspect will appear in the Ladysmith Magistrates Court facing charges of attempted robbery, possession of firearm and ammunition as well as attempted murder.
Whilst police officers were busy searching for the suspect, intelligence about men responsible for the robbery incident on Lyell Street was received. They proceeded to the area where four men were found and were immediately arrested. A bag full of cash suspected to be the one that was taken in the robbery was recovered. It is alleged that on 24 September 2020 at 08:10, four men entered a business premises on Lyell Street and fled with a bag full of cash. A case of business robbery was opened at Ladysmith police station.
The suspects aged between 24 and 30 were taken to the police station for processing. They will appear at the Ladysmith Magistrates Court on 28 September 2020. They will be profiled to ascertain if they can be linked to similar pending cases in the area.
The Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thulani Gonya expressed his relief that police officers escaped the shooting uninjured.
