Swift action by the public and Reiger Park police led to the arrest of two men shortly after a business robbery at the Reiger Park Shopping Centre.
According to Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Mashudu Phathela, three men driving in a Mazda 323, arrived at the shopping centre at about 5pm on February 17.
The driver remained in the car, while his two accomplices, one carrying a gun, entered Sitos Supermarket. At gunpoint, the pair took cash and cigarettes from the supermarket.
“As the pair were running towards their getaway car, one of the victims screamed for help. Members of the public gave chase and they prevented the driver from speeding away from the scene.
“The pair, who had already dropped some of the cigarettes into the car, escaped on foot but the driver was cornered inside the getaway car. Police were called and the suspect was arrested and charged with robbery,” said Phathela.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect at about 1pm the following day. The 21-year-old was reportedly found in his Road Reserve shack in possession of a firearm with five live ammunition.
He was charged with business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Both suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Their getaway car was seized and the gun will be sent for ballistic tests to check whether it was used in the commission of other crimes. The money was not recovered.
The third suspect, known to the police, is still at large and police are confident he will also be soon brought to book for his alleged involvement in the robbery.
Police thank the public for their swift reaction.
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