Umm Muhammed Umar

Two suspects were in police custody after attempting to rob a branch of FNB in Lenasia last Monday, October 18.

According to the Sowetanlive, four would be bank robbers, brandishing firearms, demanded cash from staff at the bank. A customer, however, alerted the police that a robbery was underway.

Africa Daily, meanwhile reports that the South African Police Service released a statement on Tuesday, October 19 2021, confirming the arrest, by Lenasia police, of two men, for an attempted bank robbery in Lenasia. However, according to the SAPS, it was a bank employee who had alerted the police, who swiftly arrived at the scene.

Gunfire was exchanged between the robbers and law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, one of who had been wounded. South African Police Service (SAPS) Colonel Dimakatso Sello said, “Swift response by Lenasia police led to the arrest of two men who were found robbing a local bank.”

The other two suspects managed to flee.

Sello said, “The Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the [SAPS] members for their swift response that intercepted the robbery. He further appreciated the community members who continue to report criminal activities.”

No money was taken, while four firearms were recovered at the scene.