One suspect was injured and four others were arrested in a shoot-out in the parking area of the Ladysmith Square Mall on Monday evening, 16 August.
Witnesses who had been heading home after shopping, told the Ladysmith Herald it was like watching an action movie. “The police immediately called out to the men in the car and then we heard two or three gunshots,” said one of the witnesses, who could not believe what he had witnessed. The five gunmen had been involved in a farm invasion in the Van Reenen area, earlier that same day.
Cornel Campher, chairperson of Van Reenen Farmers Association, said that the men had approached a farmer along the Skaapdrift Road. “It was in the late afternoon, when five or four men had approached Gideon Wessel.” Campher explained that they tied up Wessel, before robbing him of firearms and a cellphone. The suspects then made off on foot, leaving Wessel unharmed.
“We are still not sure how they got a hold of the vehicle, but Wessel managed to free himself and walked over 2 kilometers to reach neighbouring farmers for help.” Campher said that the farming community of Van Reenen jumped into action and with the help of CCTV footage, the men were traced.”
“We had immediately contacted the police in Ladysmith, who had started the search for the men,” said Campher. The vehicle was chased along the back routes along Van Reenen and the Bluebank road. The vehicle was finally identified by K9 Unit of Ladysmith, in the parking area. Police immediately reacted. The shot suspect was treated and taken to hospital. The other four were arrested. The men will be charged for Armed Robbery by the Harrismith police and they will face charges of possession of Unlicensed Firearms and Ammunition and Pointing of Firearms by the Ladysmith Police.
Firearms, cellphones, binoculars, and an angle grinder were recovered by police. Campher told the Ladysmith Herald that they are extremely happy about the arrests and are working towards opposing bail.
