3 wounded, 8 arrested after robbery suspects attack police.

A suspected business robbery in Rustenburg was stopped before it could be carried out after police intercepted eight men allegedly preparing to target a business in the Rustenburg East area.

The operation unfolded on Thursday, 17 September, after Crime Intelligence received information about suspects travelling in a bronze Volkswagen Polo and silver Chevrolet.

When police confronted the group, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers, forcing them to return fire. Eight men, aged between 26 and 38, were arrested. Three sustained gunshot wounds and remain in hospital under police guard.

Police recovered three pistols, a rifle, ammunition, both vehicles and several cellphones. Two unmarked police vehicles were also damaged.

The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit business robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are due in court on Monday.