A combined effort between the Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO), Metro Police dog unit, SAPS, Blue Security and ET Security resulted in the arrest of an armed robber on Friday, 13 June.
According to CCPO operations manager, Leon Joone, a complaint was received of an armed robbery taking place at the AK Superette in Winklespruit at about 3.30pm.
“Two armed men entered the shop and demanded cash and cellphones,” he said. “When confronted by the owner, they fled on foot.”
The robbers allegedly fired shots at the owner as they escaped into nearby bushes with cash, cellphones and SIM cards.
Metro Police and ET Security responded to the call-out as they share access to the CCPO’s radio network, and the robbers were spotted crossing the N2 highway.
Metro Police dog handler, Sgt Shawn Jooste and W/O D Niewoudt were soon hot on their trail with police dog Gus.
After a long pursuit, the robbers were flushed out back onto the highway and into the Illovo picnic area, where Csts J Hauser and T Zwane, along with CCPO committee member Rob Mill and his son Cameron, gave chase.
The robbers allegedly fired on the chasing men, before again disappearing into the bush.
“After a joint effort by all parties involved, one of the robbers was spotted across the river, exiting the bush,” said Leon.
The robber was arrested and a firearm recovered. The second robber evaded arrest.
“Well done to all concerned,” said Leon. “This was a well co-ordinated effort by all parties.”
