Armed robbers flee with cash and cigarettes, but police strike back swiftly

A SWIFT response by members of the Namakwa SAPS Task Team led to the arrest of three suspects who allegedly committed a business robbery at a local shop in Okiep.

Preliminary reports indicate that on Sunday, September 21, at approximately 5.50pm, the shop owner was behind the counter when a customer entered the shop and purchased two packets of chips.

Shortly afterwards, two unknown males also entered the shop. One of the suspects placed a packet of chips on the counter while the other stood in front of the complainant, pointing a firearm at him, and demanded money.

According to reports, the second suspect went behind the counter and grabbed an open box containing an undisclosed amount of cash and packets of Sahawi cigarettes. After the robbery, the suspects fled the scene on foot.

A co-ordinated response by members of the Nababeep Vispol and Detectives units led to the arrest of three male suspects, aged 32, 33, and 35. One firearm and the stolen packets of cigarettes were recovered during the operation.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.