By Lulama kaSozathini – Icamagu News Reporter, Image: SAPS
Zonkizizwe, Gauteng – 11 April 2025
An attempted armed robbery ended in tragedy for a group of suspects when a hitch-hiker turned the tables on his assailants on Friday afternoon along the R550 near Suikerbosrand.
According to police in Zonkizizwe, a 32-year-old and a 43-year-old suspect were arrested and placed under police guard in hospital, while a third suspect, aged 42, was fatally shot during the incident.
It is alleged that a man had been hitch-hiking on the N3 in Vosloorus when he accepted a lift from three individuals driving a red VW Polo. The situation took a dark turn when the driver veered off the expected route. Inside the vehicle, the two passengers brandished knives and demanded money from the unsuspecting victim. They reportedly took his purse containing cash.
However, the suspects were unprepared for what happened next. The victim, who is a licensed firearm holder, drew his weapon in self-defence. He fatally wounded one of the suspects and left the other two seriously injured.
Emergency services arrived swiftly on the scene. The deceased was declared dead, while the remaining two were taken to hospital under heavy police guard. Both suspects are expected to face charges of armed robbery once discharged.
Police have opened a case of armed robbery and an inquest docket to determine the full details surrounding the incident.
SAPS has commended the swift response of law enforcement and is continuing with investigations. The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending further inquiry.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Icamagu News.
