Teamwork and coordination between members from SAPS Thornhill, Kabega Park, Kwanobuhle, PE Flying Squad and K9 unit resulted in the swift arrest on Thursday of six suspects linked to the armed robbery of a clothing store in Humansdorp earlier in the afternoon.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu says six men entered a clothing store in Main Street in Humansdorp shortly before 3 pm and threatened staff at gunpoint.
They were robbed of cash, clothing and cell phones. The suspects then fled in two vehicles, a Kia Picanto and a Renault.
Colonel Naidu says the Picanto was spotted on the N2 near Greenbushes at 3.20 pm and was stopped on the Seaview off-ramp by Kabega Park police.
Clothing and several sim cards were thrown out of the moving vehicle. Three suspects aged 22 to 24 were arrested. Several cellphones and clothing were found in the boot of the car.
The Renault had meanwhile taken the Uitenhage off ramp and was picked off by PE Flying Squad members on the Rocklands Road.
A chase ensued towards Uitenhage in which shots were fired at police, who returned fire.
Colonel Naidu says that as the vehicle turned into Kwanobuhle, PE Flying Squad managed to cut them off.
During the chase, clothing and other items were thrown out the vehicle while clothing and the cash registers were found in the boot of the car. The suspects aged between 26 and 31 were arrested.
Both vehicles were hired vehicles and all the suspects are from the Motherwell, Kwanobuhle and Swartkops areas.
