DESPATCH – One of the suspects who allegedly robbed a franchise liquor store in Despatch on Monday, 27 October 2025, was apprehended by SAPS members.
According to the SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, the mayhem unfolded at about 16:45, when an armed response vehicle responded to a panic alarm of a business robbery in progress at the liquor store on Main Street.
As the vehicle arrived, it was met with a hail of bullets from the suspects, who were fleeing the store with liquor and cash in a white Corsa bakkie.
Nkohli added that the suspects drove for a short distance, and upon seeing a police patrol van on the road, they alighted from the bakkie, split up, and opened fire whilst running in different directions. The police returned fire in response.
“Three of the suspects ended up in a white Toyota Quantum,” Nkohli said. “Upon reaching Khayamnandi (Despatch), the suspects in the Quantum opened fire on the members and alighted from the vehicle.”
The police responded to the gunfire, and the suspects continued their escape on foot to the nearby bushes.
“Police managed to find one suspect in the nearby bushes with a gunshot wound. Police also found a firearm and cash in his possession.”
The Corsa bakkie was discovered by police with liquor and cash in it. “The second firearm was also recovered not far from the liquor store,” Nkohli said.
The Eastern Cape acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, expressed her gratitude to all officers and security guards involved, who put their lives in danger whilst trying to apprehend the suspects and recover stolen goods.
Nkohli said that SAPS have intensified their search for the remaining suspects and appeal to anyone who may have information about their whereabouts to contact the Despatch standby number 082 441 7828. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Callers have a choice to remain anonymous.
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