Ritavi Police in Mopani District have launched a massive manhunt for two suspects involved in a violent attack on security officers in Nkowankowa Township on Wednesday, 24 July 2024 just after midnight. The suspects’ assaulted one victim, stole a firearm and hijacked their vehicle during the incident.
Preliminary reports indicate that the security officers had returned to their post at the Eskom Substation in Nkowankowa Section A after patrolling, when they got attacked by the suspects. They were reportedly waiting for their colleagues to open the gate when they heard a gunshot.
Two armed suspects emerged from the darkness and one of them broke the passenger window using the firearm.
The two suspects pointed the duo with firearms and demanded their service firearms and cellphones. They managed to take one firearm from the crew and further robbed the victims off their cellphones.
While the suspects were busy assaulting the crew, their two colleagues opened the gate, and one managed to escape after realizing what was happening.
The three security officers were forced to enter the premises and were locked inside the guardroom.
The suspects fled the scene using the company vehicle and later found abandoned a few kilometres away outside the location. The victims managed to break the windows and notified the police.
Cases of carjacking and robbery with a firearm have been registered.
Police urge members of the public who may have information that could assist in the apprehension of the suspects to come forward. Information can be reported to the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Tonny Baloyi on 082 3199 699 or anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be submitted through the MySAPS App, which allows for confidential reporting.
Police investigations are still continuing.
The post Manhunt activated for suspects after security officers were attacked, robbed and hijacked in Nkowankowa, Ritavi policing precinct first appeared on South Africa Today.