Somerset West: 7 November 2023
Today, 6 robbers among them a Pastor from Lwandle will be appearing in the Somerset West Magistrate Court on 3 chargers of business robberies. The 6 is positively linked to businesses that have been robbed over a period of 2 months. Station Commander, Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann commended the members for the outstanding investigation and breakthrough. She states that the arrest brings much relief as many businesses in Somerset West have been targeted by the group.
On Saturday, 7 October 2023 at 09:00, a business in Belvedere Road in Somerset West was robbed. Staff was threaten and money was stolen. The group fled the scene in a unknown direction. Through intensive investigation the group is positively linked to the robbery.
On Friday, 3 November 2023 at 15:00 a group of men entered the business in Business Park, Somerset West. Two of the suspects went towards an office and a scuffle occurred between the armed suspect and the owner. One shot went off and the owner was shot in the stomach. The suspects fled the scene in a White Hyundai. The owner was taken to hospital for medical attention.
On Saturday, 4 November 2023 at 14:50 the complainant state that he was at his shop when 3 unknown African Males entered the business the one threaten the complainant with a firearm they stole money and cell phones from customers and the complainant.
All 3 cases was reported to police. The dockets were assigned to Detectives for investigation. All leads were followed up on Sunday, 5 November 2023 through a tracing operation the robbers were arrested at t various addresses in Lwandle and Strand. Police are confident that more charges will be added.
The robbers aged between 28 till 39. Police will oppose bail.