Virginia - Free State police on Monday commended the bravery of a Virginia resident who intervened during a business robbery on Sunday, and managed to nab one of the alleged robbers following a high-speed chase.
“Mr Sello Lethibane noticed that there were people trying to rob a supermarket in Qolora street as he was driving past the shop. He decided to assist by approaching the business and the attackers fled the scene in a red Toyota Sedan (Tazz),” police said in a statement.
Lethibane then gave chase in his own car. During the chase, the suspects crashed the stolen vehicle they were driving.
“He chased them and managed to arrest one of the suspects, aged 20. He then called the police who came to fetch the suspect and the dented car,” police said.
Police said officers later ascertained that the suspects had held up a shopkeeper and his employer, stabbing one of them in arm, before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Officers managed to track down and arrest five others suspected of involvement in the robbery.
The vehicle used by the robbers was later found to have been stolen during a hijacking in Thabong.
A total of six suspects were expected to appear in the Virginia magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
Thabong cluster commander, major general Lerato Molale, lauded Lethibane’s efforts.
“The bravery that was displayed by Mr Lethibane is an indication that community members are tired of crime occurring in their eyes. We encourage all community members to take a firm stance against any criminality. I also commend our members who swiftly ensured that these criminals are brought to book and recover the motor vehicle,” said Molale.
ANA