KARIEGA, Eastern Cape – The same clothing store in Caledon Street, Kariega CBD, was targeted by armed robbers twice within four days, with police arresting a suspect after the second incident yesterday.
The two brazen incidents happened on Friday, 27 February and on Monday, 2 March; just 250 metres away from the Kariega police station.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg stated that on 27 February at approximately 16:30, the complainant and a colleague were working at the till at the business in Caledon Street, Kariega, when a suspect entered the store with another accomplice.
“The suspect produced a firearm and demanded money and mobile phones. The complainant handed over an undisclosed amount of cash from the till.”
She added that the suspect then forced the complainant to take him to the safe, which contained no cash. “In the storeroom, the suspect stole perfumes and clothing, instructing the complainant to place the items into a lunch bag and plastic bag.”
The suspects then allegedly instructed staff to move to the back of the store before fleeing.
Regarding the second incident, Janse Van Rensburg confirmed that a suspect was arrested following the swift response of SAPS Kariega members.
She stated that reports of the second incident that happened yesterday, 2 March indicated that at approximately 13:50, the suspect entered the shop in Caledon Street, Kariega, and demanded that the complainant take him to the till point.
“The complainant was threatened with a firearm concealed in the suspect’s backpack,” she said. They proceeded to the cash register, where the suspect instructed the complainant to open the drawer.”
A witness who works at the clothing store was allegedly instructed by the suspect to remove an undisclosed amount of cash and hand it to him.
“The suspect instructed the complainant and witness to remain inside the shop before fleeing the scene,” she said. “The complainant immediately contacted the police who had responded to the previous robbery.”
Janse Van Rensburg added that members arrived promptly, and after receiving a description of the suspect’s clothing, pursued him. “The 18-year-old suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended shortly thereafter. He was arrested and detained, and the stolen cash was recovered during the arrest.”
She also noted that the suspect is expected to appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court this week on charges of robbery.
“Detectives will also investigate the possibility of linking the suspect to the previous robbery at the same business,” she concluded.
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