PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Well-organised efforts by police and other crime fighters in Bitou saw the arrest of two suspects in an armed business robbery, a mere 30 minutes after the crime was committed.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said the incident happened at a spaza shop in Gqamlana Street, Kwanokuthula in Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday 24 August at about 11:30.

Officers at the Kwanokuthula police station, Garden Route Flying Squad, Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Unit and local security officers immediately responded to an alert of the incident.

“The initial investigation revealed that three men entered the shop when one threatened the shopkeeper with a firearm. The suspect took two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled the scene by car,” Spies said.

He said this vehicle was later spotted in Qolweni, Plettenberg Bay, where the two occupants were arrested. “An accomplice fled on foot. A search of the vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta, ensued during which police found a 9mm firearm with 15 rounds and a replica firearm concealed inside.”

Police confiscated the items as well as the vehicle.

The two suspects, aged 31 and 38, will remain in police custody. They are scheduled to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's court on Friday 26 August on a charge of business robbery.

The 9mm firearm will also be sent to the police laboratory for ballistic tests to determine whether it had been used in any other crimes.

Western Cape police management applauded the team for their swift response and the subsequent arrest of the pair.

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