Update: Police search for two robbery suspects after ‘hostage’ situation in CTown CBD

Police on Wednesday confirmed they are searching for two armed suspects who held up a second hand store in the Cape Town CBD and led to a shutdown of a large part of the city centre amid fears of a hostage situation.

Police spokesperson Sergeant  Noloyiso Rwexana said: “Cape Town police are investigating circumstances surrounding a business robbery at a second hand goods store on the corner of Strand and Loop Streets at 11:47.

“According to available information, two suspects entered the premises, threatened employees with a firearm and a knife and ordered them to go to the back of the store,” Rwexana said. “The suspects fled the scene with a cellphone. No injuries were reported. The investigation continues.”

Police task force members had earlier entered the Cash Crusaders store on Strand Street where an apparent hostage situation had developed but left a short while later as it appeared that the armed robbers had already left.

Police crime scene experts were seen entering shortly after the task force members left and police on the scene confirmed no arrests had been made inside the store.

Firefighters later entered as smoke could be seen inside the store but it was unclear what caused the smoke.

There was a heavy police presence as Strand Street between Loop and Long streets was cordoned off, bringing lunchtime traffic to a standstill.

Hundreds of people had gathered to watch on from behind police tape, as several city security personnel and members of other emergency services were also on standby.

A woman, who did not want to be identified, said she was buying a plane ticket at a nearby airline company office when “we just saw people and police and guns”.

“The police escorted us out,” the woman said.

News24 reports it is believed that armed robbers entered the Cash Crusaders shop in the CBD and did not allow staff to leave.

Paramedics, a fire truck, the metro police and a specialised task force were in attendance to defuse the situation.

Central City Improvement District security manager Mo Hendricks is quoted as saying: “We want to create a safe perimeter around the scene because if the suspect gets out, they could mingle and get into the crowd.” Long, Strand, Loop, Castle and Riebeek streets were affected while metro police were diverting traffic.

See the thread below:

Strand street and Long street currently in lock down in an ongoing heist of Cash crusaders. @News24 pic.twitter.com/jNqsytgL9O

— James de Villiers (@pejames) July 5, 2017

Crowds looking at locked down area. All traffic in the area is being diverted. @News24 pic.twitter.com/RH4YgaEgE9

— James de Villiers (@pejames) July 5, 2017

Smoke/Dust coming from Cash Crusaders. Dog unit have already entered the store. pic.twitter.com/FfZNI6G1dU

— James de Villiers (@pejames) July 5, 2017

Specialized task force enters store. pic.twitter.com/toq7bKHHBA

— James de Villiers (@pejames) July 5, 2017