Four suspects aged between 23 and 26 have been arrested following a high-speed police pursuit that ended near Lethabo Power Station in Viljoensdrif on Wednesday, 7 October.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident began at approximately 12:30 when four armed men travelling in a black vehicle allegedly stormed a local tyre business in Deneysville. The business owner was reportedly held at gunpoint and forced to hand over cash and cellphones. The suspects also allegedly stole tools and other business stock before fleeing the scene.
The owner subsequently reported the robbery to Deneysville police, informing officers that the suspects had fled in the direction of Viljoensdrif. Police immediately alerted members of Viljoensdrif SAPS, who began searching for the vehicle.
Officers later spotted the vehicle, with all four suspects inside, travelling along the R716 road.
Police reportedly attempted to stop the vehicle by barricading the road with police vehicles. However, the suspects allegedly rammed into the parked vehicles and continued driving, triggering a high-speed pursuit.During the chase, officers fired warning shots before the vehicle was eventually intercepted near Lethabo Power Station in Viljoensdrif. All four occupants were arrested at the scene. Police recovered two unlicensed firearms believed to be linked to the robbery, along with property allegedly stolen from the tyre business.
The suspects face allegations relating to possession of stolen property and unlicensed firearms. The case follows the reported robbery in Deneysville, with the investigation expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The arrests highlight the role of cooperation between police stations in responding to reported crimes and tracking suspects across policing areas.
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