An alert security guard at the Tower Centre was instrumental in alerting authorities to an armed robbery on Wednesday 13 January.
Mr Elvis Sekhoto first noticed a white BMW, in reverse parking, in front of a retail shop at 9.58am.
He saw two people inside the car and watched as two men walked towards the entrance of the shop.
With his 15 years of experience, his suspicion was raised and he called Mr André Kasselman of Kasselman Security Services (KSS).
Mr Sekhoto watched goods being carried to the vehicle and called Mr Kasselman again.
“They responded quickly, as well as the Standerton Police,” he said. He did not wish to be photographed due to company policy.
Mr Kasselman said on Thursday, 14 January that the suspects are from eMalahleni (Witbank).
“Elvis called me for the second time and I was nearby.”
The robbers’ motor was blocked by the armoured vehicle of KSS. Altogether four suspects were arrested and one firearm was recovered, as well as the vehicle.
One of them fled in the direction of the Standerton Post Office, another towards the taxi rank and another towards Vaalrivier School.
The whole parking area was closed to customers by 11am. By 2am, the shop had a notice outside, saying it will be open for business the following morning.
The Standerton Advertiser tried to contact the retail outlet on Wedenesday, for comment and will try again.
The suspects were due to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 14 January.
