A 32-year-old suspect wanted in connection with a business robbery in Bergville last weekend, has been arrested after he reported his abandoned getaway vehicle, used in the robbery, as stolen to police.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said two unknown armed men entered a business premises in the Bergville CBD last Saturday at about 16:15, and demanded money.
"The suspects removed cash from the tills and took a cellphone. They also shot the store manager in the leg before fleeing the scene in their getaway vehicle. A case of business robbery was opened at Bergville SAPS for investigation, Gwala said.
The Bergville police pursued the suspects' vehicle and once spotted, a high speed chase ensued as the alleged robbers fled towards the Free State where they abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot.
"The recovered vehicle was impounded for further investigation. The following day, the owner of the recovered vehicle went to Elandslaagte SAPS to open a case claiming his vehicle was hijacked whilst he was driving on the N11," Gwala said.
A joint operation was conducted on Wednesday and the team proceed to the house of the so-called "carjacking victim" in Bergville.
"A search was conducted in the house and a logbook and car keys were found."
The 32-year-old suspect was arrested for his alleged involvement in the armed robbery and for reporting a fake crime. The suspect was expected to appear in the Bergville Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of perjury and business robbery.
