4 arrested after armed robbery

Four men were arrested on the N2 Highway near Hartenbos yesterday in connection with the house robbery that took place in Rio Street in Knysna on Monday night, 3 August. A family of four were accosted in their home shortly before 21:00 by the four robbers, two of them armed with a panga and screwdriver. According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, the investigating officer received information yesterday morning that the suspects were leaving Knysna. "Earlier today [Wednesday 5 August], at about 13:00, the investigating officer followed up information received from a member of the public that the suspects had boarded a taxi to Cape Town at the Knysna taxi rank," said Pojie. "Based on the information received, the investigation officer immediately activated the Public Order Police (Pops) in George to assist them to apprehend the suspects. A search for the minibus taxi ensued which was traced to the N2 highway near Mossel Bay. The vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, was pulled over and the four suspects were found among the occupants on the taxi."

The members confiscated a bag with jewellery and a cellphone that were found in their possession. The suspects, aged between 28 and 39, and from Cape Town, will appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Friday. Three of the men are foreigners.

Family traumatised, but unharmed

According to information distributed by the Owls Neighbourhood Watch, the family is traumatised following the incident, but not harmed.

Jewellery, cellphones and other personal items were taken during the robbery. Some of the stolen items as well a backpack with housebreaking implements were later recovered in the bushes near the house. The neighbourhood watch urged residents to remain vigilant and to refrain from leaving the house if they notice any strange behaviour, and instead report any strange behaviour to their armed response operators immediately.