PORT ELIZABETH – Three robbery suspects were surprised when their criminal action backfired on them and they had to flee from the shop leaving one of their accomplice’s behind.
It is alleged that on Monday evening, 16 November 2020 at about 18:20, a 32-year-old café owner in Uitenhage Road in Sydenham and his assistant were busy with a customer when three males entered the shop. One suspect produced a firearm while the other two went behind the counter. They demanded money, airtime and cigarettes. The shop assistant resisted and grappled with the suspects. Two suspects ran out of the shop. The third suspect grabbed a R50 note on the counter before fleeing. They were pursued by the owner and other community members. The suspect who took the R50 note was swiftly apprehended by the business owner with the assistance from community members.
He was handed over to Mount Road police officials on their arrival. The 37-year-old suspect sustained injuries and is currently hospitalised under police guard.
He is expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of business robbery.
