PORT ELIZABETH - 4 SUSPECTS QUICKLY APPREHENDED AFTER DARING WILLIAM MOFFAT CLOTHING STORE ROBBERY

Excellent teamwork between the various units of the SAPS led to the speedy arrest of four suspects after a clothing store was robbed in William Moffet this morning, 25 August 2020.

It is alleged that at approximately 09:25, one suspect entered the clothing store with a firearm and threatened staff members.

Six more suspects entered and started to taking sneakers and clothing from the store. These suspects fled the scene in two vehicles, a white Etios and a silver bakkie.

Within minutes after the robbery information regarding the getaway vehicles were circulated. Excellent teamwork by the various units culminated by blocking off various roads in an attempt to force one of the getaway vehicles, the bakkie, to stop.

At the corners of 4th Avenue and Alexander Road, Newton Park the four suspects spotted the police vehicles and immediately jumped out of the bakkie and ran in different directions.

The suspects were chased on foot by members and all four suspects (aged between 19 and 29) were apprehended. Police dog “Max” also played a pivotal role in apprehending the suspects.

The stolen goods were found at the back of the bakkie. The total value of the stolen goods is R80 000.

The four suspects were detained on charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.

Three more suspects who fled in a white Etios are still at large.

The four suspects will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate Court during the week.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Thembisile Patekile commended the members for their teamwork and collaboration in ensuring the speedy arrest of the suspects.

“Excellent communication between the various operational units played a major role in ensuring that the suspects in the bakkie did not get away with their crime. The Detective Trio Task Team investigators will be working around the clock to trace and arrest the outstanding suspects,” added Maj Gen Patekile.