A SUSPECT was arrested and a firearm was recovered after a Warner Beach liquor store was robbed at around midday on May 21. Alcohol and cigarettes stolen during the robbery were recovered. One suspect, 24, appeared in Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on May 22 on charges of possession of presumed stolen property.

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Following the robbery alert, ET Rapid Response’s tactical and armed response units, as well as the Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) and Amanzimtoti police mobilised. They located two of the vehicles used in the robbery in the Illovo Township area, according to Tony Lokker of ET Rapid Response.

Amanzimtoti police spokesperson, Charlene van der Spuy, confirmed the incident, adding that during the robbery, two unsuspecting customers entered the store and were robbed of their wallets.

She said, “It is alleged that seven unknown males entered the store armed with pistols, dressed in municipal overalls. They demanded cash and expensive liquor and forced one of the employees to unpack and help them carry the liquor to two vehicles parked in front of the store. They took an undisclosed amount of cash from the till and two cellphones. Suspects used cable ties to tie up the victims and fled the store in two vehicles, a white Toyota Corolla and a silver Toyota Etios. During the robbery, no shots were fired and no injuries were sustained.”

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