A Kempton resident knew something was fishy when two suspicious men entered a fish and chips store pretending to be customers.

The resident managed to overpower the two armed men after they tried to rob the food store on Monument Road on Thursday evening last week.

Spokesperson for Kempton SAPS, Capt Jethro Mtshali, said the two suspects entered the shop pretending to be customers. One of them ordered a packet of ‘slap’ chips.

“While the order was being prepared, the other suspect suddenly jumped over the counter, pointed a firearm at the owner’s head and demanded money,” Mtshali said.

His accomplice, who had placed the order, started taking cash from the till.

While all this happened, a resident witnessed the incident and went into the shop, overpowered the armed suspect and managed to disarm him.

“His accomplice tried to flee but was chased down by SSS Security officers.”

The suspects, both in their 30s, have been charged with business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.