STELLENBOSCH – An attempted robbery had a dramatic ending on Wednesday 4 November, which saw one suspect killed and four arrested, after police and private security members had responded to a report of an incident at a local supermarket in Merriman Avenue.

Stellenbosch police were investigating the business-robbery incident, which saw exchanges of fire, hot pursuits of suspects and dramatic arrests, followed by charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The shop owner related how five men had entered his store around 20:20, and three of them were armed. One of them started packing cigarettes and vapes into a backpack as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.

“The police and security officers were informed,” said Lt-Col FC van Wyk, spokesperson for Western Cape police. “Most of the suspects fled the scene on seeing the officers approaching, and one of them was arrested in the shop.”

The private security officers then went after the others, one of whom was killed after the officers returned fire when shots rang out at them from the suspects. No injuries were reported by the security.

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According to reports the other suspects ran in the direction of the Stellenbosch University campus, and one suspect apparently gained access to the Humarga Arts Building. However, he was soon detained and arrested, while the others were reportedly nabbed outside the BA Building.

Van Wyk confirmed police had seized two firearms and an imitation firearm.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 45 years, were expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court once charged.