10 Oct 2022

A 43-year-old robbery suspect was shot and killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcement officers in Mochudi early Monday morning.

Confirming the incident, which occurred around 3am, Mochudi police station commander, Superintendent Smash Mokoba said the suspect was one of the four who attempted to blast a Standard Chartered Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at Notwane Shopping Complex at Boseja Ward in Mochudi.

Supt. Mokoba said a shootout ensued following the failed operation to blast the ATM with explosives and preliminary investigations revealed that the planned blast failed because the ATM was constructed with a heavy mortar that fell on the safe.

He said one of the suspects was seriously injured during the shootout and was hospitalised while two others attempted to flee in a black Lexus sedan, and their get-away car hit a nearby bar. The two however managed to escape.

Meanwhile, a press release from the police says the third suspect, a 37-year-old Motswana male, was arrested at Lentsweletau while the fourth is still at large.

The release also says two firearms, a pick-axe and an axe were recovered from the scene while a motor vehicle that was used by the suspects has been impounded pending investigations.

On other issues, Supt. Mokoba said they were investigating an incident in which a 42-year-old man of Khunou ward in Molepolole was found dead on Monday around 2am after he was hit by a train at Artesia.

He said they suspected that the man was lying on the railway track and his body was at Lyns mortuary while his next of kin have been informed.

Supt. Mokoba said they were also investigating a road accident involving a 42-year-old man who died after he lost control of his vehicle which then overturned at Boseja Ward in Mochudi last Friday night.

He said the man was certified dead upon arrival at Deborah Retief Memorial Hospital and his body was at Lyns mortuary. BOPA