GEORGE NEWS - Four suspects were arrested after a business robbery at a grocery store in George on Saturday, 7 January at about 16:10.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, various police units were deployed to a scene in Market Street.
"On arrival they obtained descriptions of those involved who already fled the scene. A lookout was sent out and one of the men was later spotted in the vicinity of the taxi rank. While police approached, he dropped an item. The vigilant members proceeded with a search of the man and discovered that the dropped item was an imitation firearm," said Spies.
Further investigation led to three other suspects and a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi, with a Cape Town registration number, parked at the rank. They proceeded with a search of the vehicle and found three more imitation firearms concealed inside. All three suspects were arrested.
It is alleged that at least four men armed with firearms entered the shop.
They threatened staff and demanded a key to the safe. The suspects later fled the scene without accessing the safe.
The foursome aged between 23 and 38 remain in police custody. They are facing charges of attempted business robbery. All are expected to make their first court appearance on Tuesday 10 January.
"The possibility that the suspects could be linked to other robberies perpetrated in the region is being investigated," said Spies.
In an unrelated incident, George detectives mobilised resources in the arrest of three suspects involved in a business robbery at premises in Meade Street on Wednesday 4 January.
It is believed that a man entered the shop and took an undisclosed amount of cash before he fled the scene on foot. He later used a VW Golf as a getaway vehicle.
"The investigation took police to a house at Thembalethu where the vehicle was tracked down the following day. Three suspects were later arrested, which includes the driver of the vehicle, as well as an employee of the business. Some of the cash was also recovered during the arrest," said Spies.
The trio, two men and one woman, aged between 24 and 33, remain in police custody. The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday 9 January on a charge of business robbery. More charges could be added as the investigation unfolds.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
