The swift reaction of a Khayelitsha police officer led to the arrest of seven suspects involved in a business robbery in Somerset West.

The incident occurred last Thursday (27 January) when a group of armed robbers pounced on the Pep Home store in Main Road around 16:00.

According to a police report, the complainant was at the store assisting a customer when she heard her colleague screaming. Wishing to assist she noticed an unknown man armed with a firearm accompanied by another armed suspect, threatening the woman.

The suspects took her and two of her colleagues to the control room, demanding that she opens the room.

“Inside the suspects took a large sum of cash and several cellphones,” stated the report. “The complainant noticed about six robbers involved. 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 the day at 16:30, police in Khayelitsha spotted the getaway car with one suspect inside. On noticing the police vehicle, the suspect sped off. A chase ensued and the suspect ran into a house in Samora Marcel Street. Police followed and inside the house the suspect and six others were arrested. The stolen property including cellphones and some cash were recovered.”

Somerset West Police Station Commander, Col Jacolize Fleischmann applauded the members for their bravery and successfully apprehending the suspected robbers.

The suspects appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on Monday (31 January). They remain in custody until their next court appearance on Monday (7 February) for formal bail application.