Free State Arrests Armed Robbery Suspects After Tollgate Shootout

Free State police arrested two suspects linked to recent jewellery store robberies after intercepting their vehicle at the Vaal Plaza tollgate late last night. A joint team confronted the pair after a lookout alert, triggering a shootout when one suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at officers. Both men were wounded and taken to hospital under guard.

A search of the vehicle uncovered two 9mm pistols, an AK 47 rifle, ammunition, and jewellery believed to be stolen in the earlier robberies. Provincial Commissioner Baile Motswenyane praised the co-ordinated operation, saying the arrests and recovered weapons had prevented further violent crime.