Three men have been arrested for the attempted robbery of the Poorman’s Friend butchery in Kleinvlei on Tuesday 19 December around 14:30, after allegedly having robbed another shop earlier.
According to Mfuleni police spokesperson, Captain Nomathemba Muavha, three suspects allegedly entered the butchery and threatened the cashiers at gunpoint, demanding money.
The owner of the shop walked in while the robbery was in progress. He enquired about what was going on and the suspects started shooting,” explains Muavha.
She further explains the suspects ran out of the shop and were caught by police with the assistance of local residents. “Brave residents from the community chased after the suspects and the police intercepted them along the route,” she says.
She confirms the arrest of the three, aged 21 to 23 years, and that no one was hurt in the incident.
“A firearm with the serial number filed off and an imitation firearm were found in their possession,” says Muavha.
The suspects face charges of business robbery with additional charges of possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of an imitation firearm with live ammunition and possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
Muavha says the three suspects allegedly also robbed a shop in Dune Street in Kleinvlei prior to the attempted robbery of the butchery. The three were first noticed by staff in the local Mr Price, who alerted the police.
“When police responded, three suspects left without committing a crime. However at about 14:10, three men robbed a shop at Dune Street in Kleinvlei and left on foot,” explains Muavha. “Twenty minutes later they [allegedly] robbed Poorman’s Friend butchery in Forest Drive.”
“The police would like to thank the community for being alert, proactive and for working with us in ensuring that these suspects terrorising the businesses in Kleinvlei were arrested,” Muavha says.
