PORT ELIZABETH - DRAMA ENSUES AFTER NORTH END HOUSE & HOME ROBBERY WITH SHOOTOUT AND ESCAPE ATTEMPT

An employee of a Port Elizabeth business has emerged as a hero for alerting police to an armed robbery at the warehouse of House and Home in North End while it was underway.

Police spokesperson, Captain Johan Rheeder, says the drama began late on Thursday afternoon when three armed men arrived at the warehouse and tied up staff before locking them inside a room.

He says while this was happening two more employees arrived in a truck and they were also tied up while the suspects loaded furniture and other goods onto the truck.

Rheeder says while this was happening, one employee who was able to hide from the gang alerted police and also gave them a good description of the stolen truck, which was later pulled off on Old Grahamstown Road by police.

A shootout ensued and one suspect was wounded in the stomach while his accomplice was arrested.

Rheeder says they received additional info of more suspects driving in a Silver Golf.

He says the vehicle, with three suspects inside, was followed to Commercial Road where it finally came to a stop.

Rheeder says one suspect managed to run away while two others jumped into an Algoa Bus.

He says the two suspects in the bus were also arrested.

Only one firearm was recovered as well as all the stolen furniture and personal items belonging to the staff of House and Home.

The suspects, between the ages of 25 and 35 are due in court soon.

via - ALGOAFM