Cape Town - Seven suspects were taken into custody in connection with a business robbery in Somerset West that led to a police chase to the place where the stolen items were retrieved.
According to reports, the complainant was at the store assisting a customer when she heard her colleague screaming; wanting to assist she noticed an unknown male armed with a firearm accompanied by another armed suspect, threatening the woman.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said that the suspects took the woman and two of her colleagues to the control room, demanding that she open the room.
“Inside the suspects took a large sum of cash and several cellular telephones. The complainant noticed about six robbers involved and after that the suspects fled the scene in a black VW Polo in an unknown direction. No shots were fired or anyone injured during the robbery.”
“Later at about 16:30 police in Khayelitsha spotted the getaway vehicle with one suspect inside and upon noticing the police vehicle the suspect sped off. A chase ensued and the suspect ran into a house in Samora Machel Street.”
“Police followed and inside the house the suspect and six others were arrested. The stolen property and some of the cash were recovered,” said Van Wyk
The stores communication team expressed deep concern about the level of crime plaguing the communities, but said they were happy that no one was hurt.
“We are however relieved that our customers and employees were unharmed during the recent incident. In collaboration with the SAPS, great strides have been made in tracing and apprehending the suspects involved in the robbery. PEP will continue to work closely with the SAPS and relevant law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the PEP team.
Van Wyk added that the suspects are expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates court on charges of business robbery and possession of stolen property.
Weekend Argus