A 44-year-old man was arrested for an attempted business robbery at a Caltex garage in Waterpan yesterday, Thursday, 26 July.
He has since been charged for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and explosive devices.
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Bekkersdal Police said that during the attempted robbery, the shop assistant was allegedly startled by a loud bang outside the premises.
“He tried to hide in the manager’s office, but was found by three armed men. They took him to the canteen where all the other staff members were being held,” said Linkie Lefakane, the Bekkersdal Police spokesperson.
Lefakane added that when the alarm went off, the suspects fled, but a security response officer managed to catch one suspect who was still inside. He will appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court soon.
Colonel Tinus Swart, the Bekkersdal Police station commander, commended the officers for their swift reaction and vigilance and urged business owners to always be alert and report any suspicious behaviour in the surroundings.
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