A number of armed robberies at businesses in recent weeks have raised concerns among business owners about their safety and that of their employees and clients.
Authorities have, however, proven that they are geared for this, arresting a number of suspects within a short space of time after the robberies.
Last week, the speedy response and good cooperation among authorities led to the prompt arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in an armed robbery at a business in the Hermanus Industrial Area.
Captain Fadila September, spokesperson for the Hermanus police, reported that the armed robbery took place at Hermanus Fruit and Veg in Steenbras Street on Sunday 7 January at approximately 10:30.
The shop owner, employees and a customer were in the shop when two men entered and closed the doors, she said.
“One of the suspects went behind the till, pointed a firearm at the shop owner and demanded money. The complainant handed over the cash.
“The suspects used cable ties to tie up the victims. They also took their cellphones. The owner managed to activate the alarm.”
The suspects reportedly fled through the back entrance of the business with a bag containing cellphones and cash.
Within minutes, officers of Fidelity ADT and HPP, Culive Security, the local police, Overstrand Law Enforcement and members of Afriforum Alfa Neighbourhood Watch and Hermanus Neighbourhood Watch were on the scene. AfriForum also assisted in the search for the suspects with drones. A report by Culive stated its guards spotted one of the suspects hiding in the bushes near the South African National Space Agency’s premises in Ravenscroft Street.
Culive’s report stated the suspect was arrested, with assistance from Overstrand Law Enforcement, and a firearm and cash was found in his possession.
Hylton Leaf-Wright of the Hermanus Neighbourhood Watch reported that the second suspect was arrested at a later stage close to where the first suspect was apprehended.
“We are in awe of the response and professionalism that SAPS and LE displayed ,” he said. “This was a combined effort by all, particularly in terms of cutting off all escape routes and searching all areas, which made this success possible.
“Every person in the response knew they were looking for armed suspects. We have to praise the ADT response officers who walked into an armed robbery in progress and dealt with it.”V To page 3.
