By Obakeng Maje

BRITS: Four suspects aged 18 to 24 years, have been apprehended by Brits police following a business robbery that took place in Mamogaleskraal near Brits this morning at about 11:00 North West police said. “

When the police arrived at the scene of crime, they found one suspect that was arrested by community members. The complainant,38 informed the police that five  suspects of which two were armed entered her shop and demanded money” Captain Adele Myburgh said.

“The suspects allegedly held her 66-year-old neighbour hostage. The complainant whilst still being held hostage screaming for help” She said.

Community members who heard the screaming voices came to rescue victims and managed to apprehend one suspect.

The other four suspects vanished into the bushes  with an undisclosed amount of money and airtime vouchers.

“The police conducted a thorough search in the bush and three suspects were found and arrested.

That brought the total arrests to four. Police also recovered a firearm (pallet gun), money and all the stolen airtime.

The suspects will appear in Brits Magistrates Court tomorrow for charges of Business Robbery.

The fifth suspect is still at large.

The Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Lt Gen Zukiswa Mbombo is thankful for the support received from the community members in Brits. “The South African Police Service is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa. This can only be achieved if individuals and communities cooperate with the Police by volunteering information on criminals and their activities, and by persons taking reasonable steps to ensure their personal safety. In partnership the police and the community can Against Crime Together”; she said.