A quick response by police in Gqeberha on Monday led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and suspected stolen property following a robbery at business premises in West End.
It is alleged that at about 12.30pm at a chain store in St Bede Street, six armed suspects aged between 25 and 29 entered the shop and threatened staff members and customers.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said they were taken to the back of the store, where the armed suspects demanded cellphones and cash.
“The manager was taken to the safe by two armed suspects where the cellphones are kept and she was further instructed to open the safe,” Janse van Rensburg said.
She said the suspects took cellphones and packed them in a bag, while other suspects were busy emptying the cash registers.
“While the robbery was in progress they heard gunshots being fired outside.
“The suspects fled from the store with the stolen items.
“At this stage it is not clear who fired the shots,” she said.
Janse van Rensburg said it was further alleged that four suspects jumped into a white VW Golf and fled the scene, while the other two suspects fled on foot.
“Within minutes after the information was broadcast on police radio channels, police vehicles responded.
“The VW Golf was seen in Soudien Road, Bethelsdorp, where a high-speed chase ensued in the direction of Kleinskool,” she said.
She added that the members forced the vehicle to stop and apprehended four suspects and also recovered an unlicensed firearm inside the vehicle.
“The two suspects that fled on foot were apprehended by community members and handed over to the SAPS in Bethelsdorp,” she said.
She said the cellphones taken during the robbery were recovered and the VW Golf was impounded.
“A business robbery case and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm are currently under investigation.”
The suspects will appear in the Gelvandale magistrate’s court during the course of the week.
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