Uitenhage Police Station Commander Brigadier Laurence Soekoe has commended the local community for their quick response on Friday which led to the arrest of a 24 year old robbery suspect.
The incident followed an armed robbery at a business in Maitland Street, Uitenhage at around 4.30pm.
Captain Gerda Swart reports that four suspects, one armed with a firearm, had threatened the shop owner and attempted to gain access to the cash register but failed.
The suspects then took cellphones and fled the scene on foot.
Local residents visiting the gym next to the shop saw what was happening and arrested a 24-year-old man on the spot.
He was handed over to the police for detention.
The other three suspects managed to evade arrest, but Captain Swart says arrests are imminent.
Brigadier Soekoe said the role of community involvement is pivotal in assisting the police in arresting suspected criminals, and it is imperative to win the war against crime.
The suspect is due to appear in the Uitenhage Magistrate's court on Monday on a charge of business robbery.
