Robbery suspect dies, another arrested after North End shoot-out
A suspect in a dramatic robbery in East London on Friday was abandoned by his alleged accomplices as he lay wounded after a dramatic shoot-out with security company patrolmen.
Another alleged robber was shot and killed during the midday robbery of the Kwa Thanda Bantu clothing store in North End. The shoot-out between Red Alert Security officers and the suspects brought traffic in the area to a standstill.
Red Alert Security spokesperson Brett Harvey said when one of his officers reached the front door of the premises, he encountered two armed suspects.
“The one suspect [allegedly] drew his firearm and our officer shot him in self-defence while retreating,” Harvey said.
“The second suspect in the store came out the store [allegedly] shooting a weapon. That’s when the shoot-out occurred between our officers and the suspect.”
The suspect was wounded, but was apprehended and treated by medics on the scene, he said.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson captain Khaya Tonjeni said police were investigating a case of business robbery and attempted murder. It is understood that three other suspects managed to get away with a bag of clothing and an undisclosed amount of money. “The shop owner pressed the panic button while they [the suspects] were still inside the shop. The security company [officers] arrived and shot one male suspect dead inside the shop and wounded another as he fired at them while running out of the shop,” Tonjeni said.
He said the suspect was arrested with two gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.
Police had cordoned off the area when the Dispatch arrived on the scene. An employee at the store, who was reluctant to speak to the media, would only say: “Four guys walked inside the shop and hit the owner in the face before they started robbing us.
“They had their guns and before I knew it I heard gunshots inside. One of the robbers fell down and the others ran out.
“It was total chaos; I’ve never seen anything like this. These are things I’ve only seen in the movies.”
A worker at a neighbouring business, Fish Chips and Bites, said the wounded suspect had cried for help as the “getaway” driver of an iphela or sedan taxi sped off, leaving him behind.
“I was sitting outside and heard several gunshots. Everyone started running and took cover inside the other shops,” the worker said.
Tonjeni said two firearms were recovered and the 32-year old injured suspect was taken to hospital by paramedics.