Robber shot during break-in
2008-01-25 15:39
Johannesburg - A 40-year-old man is under police guard in hospital after he was shot during a gun battle in Norkem Park, East Rand police said on Friday.
Superintendent Eugene Opperman said the man and two of his accomplices were caught red-handed robbing a house in Mooifontein Street on Tuesday.
The three overpowered a 60-year-old woman as she was leaving home. They held her at gunpoint, tied her up and ransacked the house.
When police were informed that a robbery was being committed, they sped to the scene.
The robbers were loading stolen household appliances in the woman's vehicle when the police arrived.
"They fired shots at the police and the officers returned fire in self-defence. One robber was shot and seriously wounded during the gun battle. The other two ran to their get away car parked nearby and fled from the scene," said Opperman.
Police were following up information about the remaining two and the green Toyota Venture used during the house robbery.
Anybody with information about the outstanding suspects should phone the Norkem Park Detective Service on 011-3911814.
- SAPA