MANHUNT | Gang of 20 storms Limpopo petrol station

Police have launched a manhunt for about 20 armed suspects who stormed a Limpopo petrol station, threatened a cashier and stole cash and fuel before firing several shots as they fled.

The robbery took place at a filling station in Madombidzha Zone 2, under the Tshilwavhusiku policing area, at approximately 03:30 on Saturday, 7 November.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 32-year-old cashier noticed a group of young men standing outside the premises, where one had purchased a Hollywood voucher.

He then overheard some of them discussing breaking into the building and noticed that several were armed.

Cashier threatened at gunpoint

The suspects forced open the garage door before approaching the cashier, demanding that he let them inside.

When he refused, they threatened to shoot him and produced pepper spray.

“Fearing for his life, he eventually opened the door,” Ledwaba said in a statement.

The gang ordered the cashier to lie down before damaging an ATM and stealing an undisclosed amount of cash.

They also cut open a wall-mounted safe, emptied a cash register and forced the cashier to issue a voucher.

The suspects then ordered a petrol attendant to fill two 25-litre containers with fuel without paying.

“Following the business robbery, the armed gang exited the premises and fired multiple gunshots outside before fleeing the scene,” Ledwaba said.

Police launch manhunt

Police have opened a business robbery case and are searching for the suspects.

Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Constable Mawela Muzwaliwambeu on 072 812 7370, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.