Five suspected robbers have been arrested after a Stellenbosch shootout at Newinbosch Square on Sunday evening.
According to Daily Voice, police said the incident unfolded at a chain retailer at about 7.45pm. Officers arrived while the alleged robbery was in progress, leading to a confrontation between police and the suspects.
Police Arrest Five After Mall Incident
The Stellenbosch shootout started after a complainant, who had been in the manager’s office, was told about suspicious people inside the shop, according to Daily Voice.
The report, citing police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, said the complainant asked the suspects if they needed help. One man then allegedly grabbed him and took him to the cash office.
Van Wyk said a police officer entered the shop at the same time. The suspect then ran out of the store, and the complainant told the officer what had happened.
A shooting then broke out between police and the suspects outside the shop. Some suspects reportedly fled the scene in a white Ford and a silver VW Polo sedan.
Officer Injured and Weapons Recovered
Van Wyk said one getaway vehicle drove into a police member, injuring him. The officer received medical treatment at the scene, according to the report.
Police arrested four suspects inside the shop. Later, officers received information that another suspect had been taken to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. He was arrested at the hospital and placed under police guard.
Two police vehicles were damaged during the Stellenbosch shootout. Police also recovered one getaway vehicle in Kayamandi with visible bloodstains.
According to Daily Voice, officers recovered a 9mm Beretta with 15 rounds of ammunition and an imitation firearm inside the shop. Police handed the vehicle and firearms in as exhibits for further processing.
Charges and Court Appearance
The five men are expected to face charges of attempted murder, attack on police and attempted business robbery.
Van Wyk said the suspects would appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court once charged.
No separate SAPS media statement on the incident was found on the official SAPS newsroom page at the time of publication. The available information comes from the Daily Voice report, which attributes the details to Captain FC van Wyk.