Alleged shop thief turns gun on himself after police chase

A POLICE officer was shot and wounded during a routine investigation yesterday morning at Bramfischerville in Soweto.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said a senior detective, 48, was shot and wounded during a routine investigation and the suspect, 30, was later found to have shot himself while police were looking for him in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Dlamini said detectives attached to the provincial investigation unit were following leads on one of the suspects, who was wanted for murder and attempted business robbery.

He added that the suspect was part of a group of about 25 men who shot and killed the branch manager of a Shoprite store during an armed robbery on May 29, 2017.

The Star reported the case in May, in which a gang of about 25 men, travelling in two minibuses, stormed into a shopping centre around 7pm and went into the Shoprite, Shoprite Liquor and the Hungry Lion restaurant.

The gang robbed the employees and customers of their valuables, and also took an undisclosed amount of cash from the shops.

Dlamini added that on arrival at the house where the suspect was alleged to be hiding, several shots were fired.

Police are appealing to the community, asking that whoever might have information about the other suspects should contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Dlamini added that a reward would be given to anyone with information that led to the arrest and conviction of the criminals.

@Sabie_M