Update

GEORGE NEWS - Four suspects remain at large while two were arrested after an armed robbery at Raffaele D'Amato Jewellers in the Garden Route Mall on Friday 27 October.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, the first suspect was arrested on the day that the incident took place. The second suspect was arrested shortly afterwards. 

"Reports available suggest that six men, of whom at least two carried firearms, entered the shop at about 10:30 that morning. They threatened the personnel and shattered the display cabinets with two hammers. They then took a large quantity of jewellery and fled the scene in a Nissan Livina," he said.

The Nissan was later found abandoned in Thembalethu, after which the investigation led police to a Hyundai Getz which was allegedly also used in the commission of the crime. 

"This vehicle was also tracked down in Thembalethu and the driver was arrested. Both vehicles were seized," said Spies.

Two accused, aged 30 and 40, made their first court appearance in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court on Monday 30 October. They were remanded in custody and the case postponed for their formal bail application on 8 November. 

Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, police have requested that the names of the suspects not be released at this stage.

"The investigation is at an early stage. Other suspects involved have yet to be arrested and more information about the accused as well as the circumstances under which the vehicles were found will be shared during the formal bail application," said Spies.

The investigation was transferred to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Detectives.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the investigation officer, WO Clive Davids, on 044 803 3346 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Owner praises police

The owner of Raffaele D'Amato Jewellers, Michél Nunes, thanked the police for their swift handling of the incident.

"They were on the scene very quickly. The mall security guards also did what they could and assisted us as well. I also thank the staff of other stores who stood by us. We are all very thankful that there was no loss of life," he said.

D'Amato, as the business is fondly known, is a household name in George and has been around for more than 65 years. Nunes' late father, Deryk Nunes, started the business with his stepfather, (Nunes' grandfather), Raffaele D'Amato, in 1957.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’