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Councillor and security officers hailed heroes – three arrested after armed robbery

DA councillor Damien Klopper recalled minutes ago how he stared into the barrel of a gun during an armed robbery at Ackermans in the Midwater Centre, while his 12-year-old daughter helplessly watched how her father got pummelled by a gang.

Cllr Klopper was in the Ackermans store with his wife, Lisa, buying clothes for their daughter, when he received a call waiting in line to pay.
When he hung up and turned to Lisa, she whispered to him to stay silent and still.

Cllr Klopper initially thought he bumped into something or knocked something over, but when he again faced his wife, the man with them in line immediately noticed the robbery gig was up and pulled his gun on Cllr Klopper, who was also armed.

Cllr Klopper says he believes the robber sprang to action after seeing his weapon holstered on his hip, “I grabbed the gun and forced it into the air but no shot went off,” a traumatised Cllr remembers.

Cllr Damien Klopper where the struggle took place at the Ackermans counter.

While struggling with the robber on the ground, Cllr Klopper stayed calm and released the robber’s magazine from the weapon.

As the two men were writhing around on the ground, with Cllr Klopper trying to keep his own weapon away from the robber, members of the robbery gang pounced on Cllr Klopper.
They pulled his sweatshirt over his head while continuing to beat and kick the struggling man.

One of the robbers then pulled another gun on him, saying, “I am going to kill you.”

The magazine and some spent bullets inside Ackermans after the robbery.

The politician still had the initial robber with them at the counter in a hold, and shielded himself with the robber’s body.
A shot was fired but did not hit him.

Blood smears and droplets left behind by the gang, suggest that one of the robbers had been wounded.
They then fled.

Midwater’s security detail, CSC Tactical, immediately followed the robbers who sped off in two cars.

Two also fled on foot, with CSC Tactical members hot on their heels.
Their efforts paid off, and three of the robbers were arrested.

A handgun with its serial number filed off was found in their possession.

Emotions ran very high when SAPS members brought the arrested robbers back to the Midwater Centre, where Cllr Klopper identified one in the back of the police van as the armed robber next to his wife at the counter.

Councillor Damien Klopper confronting a robber in the back of the police van.

Meanwhile, Ms Klopper accompanied the police on a chase on the R555 where his stolen cell phone’s signal was traced.
The police are still searching the area.

His brave 12-year-old daughter fled to the hairdresser next to Ackermans after she was told to run by her dad.

Anyone that knows Cllr Klopper, knows he’s a staunch family man who frequently boasts about his daughter’s achievements, especially in dance.

Cllr Klopper suspects that his weapon was taken by the robber who fled towards eMalahleni, because his pistol could not be found in the area of the cycling park behind Kruger Dam, where the robbers were apprehended.

Cllr Klopper says he fired a shot at the robbers, knowing there was no bullet in the chamber.

He sustained bad bruising to his face and body in the merciless beating.

Cllr Damien Klopper was badly bruised after being kicked and beaten.

Midwater management credits CSC Tactical and the brave reaction of the officers for the arrests.

Cllr Klopper was also hailed “a hero” for taking on an entire armed gang.

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Sjani Campher

Sjani has been working as a community journalist and photographer at the Middelburg Observer since 2018, during which she has been responsible for the content creation for both digital and print, as well as maintaining the publication's online platforms. She is a member of the Forum for Community Journalists, and focuses on fields including hard news, investigative reporting, human interest, columns and sports.
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