Armed robbers caught red-handed inside clothing shop

The Hoopstad police arrested three armed robbery suspects after finding them attempting to rob a Chinese business man and his wife yesterday morning, 29 May.

According to Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, the store owner, Xiaojun Lin and his wife were at their shop when three unidentified African men arrived and pointed firearms at them.

“Trio suspects then used wires to bind the couple,” added Thakeng.

A patriotic resident witnessed the incident and contacted the police. The Hoopstad’s station commander, Lettie van Eeden, along with warrant officer van Eeden, sergeant Lucher, sergeant Nkoane, sergeant Makhoana and sergeant Selualane responded to the received information and attended the scene.

Upon arrival, the police found and arrested three suspects aged 36, 46 and 49 years old while inside the clothing shop.

Thakeng also informed that the Welkom K9 Unit attended the scene to search for the firearms.

All suspects will appear before the Hoopstad Magistrate Court facaing business robbery and possession of two unlicensed firearms.

The Free State provincial commissioner, general Baile Motswenyane, applauded the the station commander and her team for their swift response to effect the arrests.