GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A suspected robber was killed and another wounded during a shootout with police early on Sunday morning, 3 October, following an armed robbery at a convenience store in the Crags on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said at about 05:00 a gang of at least five suspects entered the store at the Engen garage off the N2 and robbed staff of cellphones and an undisclosed amount of money.
The Plettenberg Bay Police, who it is believed were on standby as part of a sting operation after receiving information that the venue was being targeted, immediately responded and a shootout between the suspects and officers ensued during which one suspect was killed and another wounded.
Three other suspects were arrested and are in police custody. "A number of different calibre firearms were recovered as well as an undisclosed amount of cash," Spies said.
A getaway vehicle was found abandoned in the nearby forest where police were still searching for one more suspect after another shootout with traffic officials.
Spies said the four suspects in custody are believed to be between the ages of 25 and 34 and from Cape Town. They are facing charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition. More charges could be added as the investigation unfolds.
They are expected to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court this week.
"At least one more suspect is yet to be arrested," said Spies. "Furthermore, crime scene experts combed the scene for clues and the police discovered a 9 mm handgun with ammunition, two air guns and an undisclosed amount of cash. Three cellphones stolen during the incident were also recovered. A Nissan panel van, believed to be used as a getaway vehicle, was also found abandoned in the nearby forest. Investigation into this matter continues."
A robbery suspect gets into the back of a Plettenberg Bay police van following a robbery at a Crags convenience store.
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