Swift response by police and various role-players landed two suspects behind bars within 30 minutes of an armed robbery at a Spaza shop at Gqamlana Street, Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay. On Wednesday, 24 August 2022 at about 11:30 members attached to Kwanokuthula police, Garden Route Flying Squad, Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention unit, and local security officers responded to an alert of the robbery of the shop which was perpetrated earlier.
Initial investigation reveals that three men entered the shop when one threatened the shopkeeper with a firearm. The suspect took two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled the scene by car. The vehicle was later spotted in Qolweni, Plettenberg Bay where the two occupants were arrested. An accomplice fled on foot. A search of the vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta, ensued during which police found a 9mm firearm with 15 rounds and a replica firearm concealed inside. The police confiscated the items as well as the vehicle.
The two suspects 31 and 38 remain in police custody. They are scheduled to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ court on Friday, 26 August 2022 on a charge of business robbery.
The 9mm firearm will also be sent to the SAPS laboratory for ballistic tests to determine whether it was involved in any other acts of criminality.
Western Cape police management applauded the team for their swift response and the subsequent arrest of the pair.