Seven Zimbabwean armed robbers arrested in South Africa

Seven Zimbabweans have been arrested for armed robbery in South Africa. Two of the Zimbabweans shot a father who was awakened by the screams of his daughter who surprised the robbers in their house, Free State police said on Wednesday.

Police spokesman Captain Chaka Marope said a 17-year-old girl woke up to unusual sounds in the house in Rayton, Bloemfontein and out of curiosity she went to investigate what was happening at 3.30am on Tuesday.

The girl encountered two unknown men in the house who tried to hold her at gunpoint. Marope said in the girl's attempt to escape she screamed and her parents rushed to her aid. It was alleged that her father wrestled with the suspects and in the process was shot in the chest.

The 50-year-old man was taken to the Pelonomi Hospital for treatment and was apparently in a stable condition. The robbers fled with two laptop computers. Further investigations led police to the Kopanong informal settlement in Mangaung where seven Zimbabwean nationals were arrested several hours after the robbery.

Police confiscated suspected stolen property, including cellphones, digital cameras, computer equipment, two firearms, and ammunition. The arrested men, aged between 22 and 37, were expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court soon.

Marope said they faced charges of house robbery, attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.