Five arrested after shootout with police during attempted Stellenbosch store robbery

Stellenbosch – Five suspects have been arrested following an alleged attempted business robbery that ended in a shootout with police at a chain retail store in Neuwenbos, Stellenbosch, on Sunday evening.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspects, aged between 27 and 45, face charges including attempted murder, attacking a police officer and attempted business robbery.

Police said the incident unfolded at about 19:45 after the store manager was alerted to suspicious individuals inside the shop.

“According to reports, the complainant was in the manager’s office when he was informed of suspicious-looking people in the shop. When he went to check, he was grabbed by an unknown male who took him to the cash office,” SAPS said in a statement.

The manager allegedly noticed that the suspect was carrying a black bag and attempted to alert the floor manager.

“At the same time, a police officer entered the shop and the male then immediately ran out of the shop,” police said.

The manager informed the officer about what had happened, prompting the officer to pursue the suspect outside the store.

“The next moment a shooting broke out between the police and the suspects. A few of the suspects fled the crime scene in a white Ford and a silver VW Polo sedan.”

During the escape, one of the getaway vehicles allegedly struck a police officer.

“One of the getaway vehicles drove into a member injuring him in the process. He received medical attention at the scene,” SAPS said.

Police arrested four suspects inside the shop.

Officers later received information that another suspect had been admitted to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound.

“This information was followed up by the members, and the suspect was arrested at the hospital. He is currently under police guard in hospital,” the statement said.

Police recovered a 9mm Beretta pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, as well as an imitation firearm, from inside the shop.

SAPS said two police vehicles were damaged during the incident.

“One getaway vehicle was recovered in Kayamandi with visible blood stains on it. This vehicle and the firearms were handed in as exhibits and for further processing.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court once they have been formally charged.