A suspect was arrested in possession of stolen high-end bicycles worth R850k. An armed response company and Table View police pursued the suspects and were successful in apprehending one on Wednesday, January 13.
The incident unfolded when a security guard at a shopping centre in Sunningdale was approached by three armed men on Wednesday evening and robbed of his cellphone and hand radio, according to a statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The men broke into and robbed a bicycle shop after smashing a window with a concrete slab. The criminals fled the scene with numerous bicycles in a getaway vehicle.
The security guard was able to activate a panic button, alerting armed response officers to the scene. Table View police joined in on the pursuit of the suspects.
“Eventually, the robbers were cornered and stopped their vehicle and fled further on foot in different directions. Police fired one shot and injured one of the suspects and arrested him. His accomplices managed to escape and are being sought,” said SAPS. The stolen bikes were recovered.
The suspect was taken to hospital to receive treatment for his wound and will appear in court once he has been discharged.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape Lt Gen Yolisa Matakata expressed her gratitude and applauded the armed response officers for their swift reaction and for alerting police. She is urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the other suspects to contact Table View police at 021 521 3300, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Picture: SAPS