Quick thinking and swift action by members of Tactical Response Team assigned to Operation Lockdown has resulted in the arrest of five robbery suspects in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas. Colonel Priscilla Naidu says a 31 year-old shop owner was robbed of cash, cellphones and cigarettes at about 8pm on Wednesday by armed men who threatened him at gunpoint outside his shop in Marrock Road, Bethelsdorp.
The men then sped off in silver Ford Fiesta.Colonel Naidu says that within minutes of the robbery, the vehicle was spotted in Booi Street, Zwide. Police blocked the car and as the suspects jumped out, one of them pointed a firearm at police.
He was shot and wounded in the thigh.
All five suspects aged between 22 and 27 were arrested.
Two firearms and 22 rounds of ammunition were seized and the stolen property was recovered.
They're being held in custody and will appear in court soon.
