Two of three suspected robbers who pounced on a Somerset West cellphone store were nabbed thanks to the commendable efforts of authorities, security officers and community members, who joined forces and reacted swiftly last Thursday (8 February).
Somerset West police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies confirmed the incident, saying a business in Main Road fell prey to three armed men at around 13:00 on Thursday.
“The suspects proceeded to threaten staff at gunpoint,” Jantjies said. “They tied up two staffers inside the shop and forced them onto the ground. A third staffer who had become aware of the incident in progress escaped unnoticed and ran to call for assistance.
“The robbers took cellphones and a wallet before fleeing the scene on foot. The two staffers managed to untie themselves and chased after the suspects.”
Jantjies further said two of the suspects were successfully apprehended thanks to assistance from vigilant and swift responders who aided staffers’ efforts to catch the perpetrators. “Thanks to security personnel one of the suspects were apprehended.
“Police together with community members caught up with the second suspect. The third suspect remains at large.”
Somerset West Police Station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann commended security and police officers and their partners in the fight against crime for their efforts which resulted in the apprehension of the suspects as well as the recovery of two firearms.
Fleischmann further said police are confident that the third suspect will be arrested soon. The detained suspects, both aged 22, were expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on charges of business robbery.
