Robbers caught minutes after liquor store raid

THREE suspected armed robbers were arrested – one is still at large – moments after robbing Tops Liquors in Miramar at about 10am yesterday.

According to police, while the robbery was under way in Biggar Street, witnesses alerted police and security companies, prompting quick response by the air wing, K9 and Flying Squad units.

Police spokesman Captain Johan Rheeder said the three men were arrested following an estimated 10km car chase from Miramar to Vitry Avenue near Lorraine Primary School. The four gunmen fled in a Toyota Conquest which was spotted by a police helicopter during the pursuit.

“The gunmen entered [Tops] and held staff and customers at gunpoint while stealing bottles of alcohol and money from the tills. As the robbers fled the shop, they jumped into a waiting vehicle.”

This led to a car chase. The vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of Chaumont [Road] and Vitry Avenue, near the primary school.

As a precautionary measure, police locked down the school and surrounded the area to ensure that the robbers did not storm the building.

Rheeder said officers surrounded the school while the police helicopter, the K9 unit and other officers combed nearby bushes for the men.

“As the getaway vehicle came to a stop, three men jumped out and fled into the bushes on foot. The driver, however, did not get out of the car fast enough and was caught by police,” he said.

“Two more men hiding in the bushes were later located and arrested.”

All the money alcohol stolen were recovered, and all three men were detained and taken to Walmer police station.

“One firearm and ammunition was recovered. This will be sent to our ballistics unit,” Rheeder said.

“The vehicle has been impounded. Our preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle is not stolen.”

No shots were fired during the chase or robbery and no one was injured during the incident.

The men, aged between 25 and 36, will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and armed robbery.