Two cyclists who were drinking coffee at a cycling shop in Durbanville after a ride early on Tuesday morning, were robbed at gunpoint.
The two cyclists, André Kotze (42) and Chris Bussy (49) from Brackenfell, were calmly sitting and enjoying their coffee at Knipe Cycling in Lilie Street, when two men with balaclavas, one of whom was armed with a firearm, came into the shop and pointed it at them and the barista.
Video on social media
In a video from the shop’s CCTV camera that was circulated widely on social media, it can be seen that the one robber cocked the firearm while the cyclists casually continued with their conversation. The armed robber fired a shot, but nobody was injured. Kotze fled the room, but Bussy sat calmly with his hands on his ears.
The robbers grabbed three cellphones and a laptop, as well as the two men’s bicycles, and rode off on them.
According to Louise Knipe, owner of Knipe Cycling, the cyclists—mostly clients—take part in rides on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Some often have coffee at the cycling shop after the ride.
Knipe said to TygerBurger although they will sharpen up their security, they will not be manipulated by thugs. The suspects, one Xhosa speaking and the other Afrikaans speaking, are suspected to be from Fisantekraal and Morningstar, he said. A private investigation is ongoing, he said.
Third crime incident
This is the third crime incident since they have moved to this premise, Knipe said. A cellphone was stolen on two incidents and a break-in occurred on a Sunday morning.
Sgt Wesley Twigg, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed a business robbery case was registered by Durbanville police.
“According to reports, two unknown suspects entered the store and pointed a firearm at the staff and took two bicycles before fleeing the scene. We can confirm that a single shot was fired, but no injuries were reported. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Twigg said.
- Anyone with information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
