The relative calm of everyday life in Louis Trichardt was shattered last week by a surge of wailing police sirens.

Makhado police descended upon the residential area in the new part of town, closing down streets in pursuit of suspects who fled a home in Hlanganani Street after they had tried to rob the inhabitants of the home. According to local police spokesperson Const Irene Radzilane, the robbery took place on Thursday morning at approximately 08:40.

She confirmed that three male suspects had entered the house. One was armed with a pistol. “They ransacked the house,” said Radzilane. The suspects allegedly tried to steal valuables and electrical home appliances, but failed to do so when the police was notified.

The men tried to flee from the scene on foot, but as a rsult of quick reaction by the police, were soon rounded up. A discarded pistol was recovered near Thompson’s Motors shortly after the police had arrested the three men.

One inhabitant of the home, who had sustained knife cuts during the robbery, was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

Radzilane confirmed that the three suspects are in police custody, and that a case of house robbery is currently being investigated by the police.

Shortly after this incident, the police also arrested two people in Joubert Street who are suspected of being involved in several robberies in the Eltivillas area. The police were notified by members of the public of a parked vehicle, similar to one used in the robberies, at the residential property.

While the police were en route to the home, the public had already gathered to administer jungle justice. The two male suspects sustained various cuts and bruises at the hands of members of the mob, who were armed with broken golf clubs and sharp sticks.

Police arrested the two men and impounded their blue BMW.

Radzilane confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspects could not be linked to any robberies as yet. She said that one of the suspects was released, while the second was detained. “He was found in possession of dagga, and was found to be in the country illegaly,” said Radzilane.

At the time of going to press, investigations were still ongoing.