GEORGE NEWS - Pacaltsdorp police detectives have been working around the clock to trace wanted suspects after two business robberies on Sunday 4 April.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie, the incidents occurred within a mere 40 minutes from each other.
“The police have therefore made an urgent appeal to the community to come forward with any information that can assist to bring these culprits to book,” he said.
The first incident took place at approximately 18:40 when five unknown suspects walked into a spaza shop in Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp, and ordered the shop owner, his assistant and two customers to lie down on the floor. Three of the suspects allegedly threatened the victims with firearms.
“According to information they produced a money bag, went around the counter and took an undisclosed amount of cash. They also took various other items from the store including cellphones, an Acer laptop, an airtime machine and cigarettes before they fled the scene on foot,” said Pojie.
According to Pojie, witnesses said they heard two gunshots before the suspects fled. It was later discovered that the owner of the shop had been shot in his leg and hip. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Shortly after, at about 19:20, five unknown suspects entered a spaza shop in Primrose Street in New Dawn Park. Some were allegedly armed. They ordered those inside to get down on the floor while they closed the entrance and took an undisclosed amount of cash, a Huawei cellphone and a tablet.
This time no one was injured and no shots were fired.
“The possibility that the two incidents could have been perpetrated by the same suspects is being investigated,” said Pojie. “It is reported that the suspects wore masks and were dressed in blue and orange overalls, with white hats covering their heads.”
Anyone with information regarding the incidents or the suspects’ whereabouts, is requested to contact the investigating officers, Sgt Vicky Gibson or Sgt Cindy Horn of the Pacaltsdorp Detectives, on 044 803 9100, 079 894 1589 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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