Elite store skelms hid in toilet
CAUGHT OUT: Four arrests at the popular Elite store in Gatesville CAUGHT OUT: Four arrests at the popular Elite store in Gatesville
Four skelms, including a staff member, who tried to rob the Elite store in Gatesville are behind bars after their plan was foiled by wakker cops.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Andrè Traut, says the four Malawian men were caught during an intelligence-driven operation by Athlone police at the wholesaler on Saturday afternoon following a tip-off.
“Police acted on a tip-off that an employee of a Gatesville wholesaler collaborated with three men to perpetrate a robbery at the business upon closing,” said Traut.
“The three accomplices of the employee were hiding in a toilet when they were surprised and arrested by Athlone police.
“Two replica firearms and cable ties were found in their possession. The employee of the business was also arrested.”
The store manager, who asked not to be named, confirmed the incident and said: “I can confirm it happened at our store. No staff were injured and we will continue to operate as normal. We decline to comment further on the matter.”
Traut says the four men have been charged with attempted robbery and will appear in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, cops have also recovered a delivery vehicle in Khayelitsha after it was hijacked in Rondebosch East on Friday.
Traut says the driver was hijacked and robbed of cigarettes and one suspect was nabbed in Khayelitsha during a joint operation by various police units.
“The large quantity of cigarettes and a minibus taxi used to transport the stolen goods from Rondebosch East to a residence in Khayelitsha were confiscated.
“The 28-year-old suspect is due to make a court appearance [Monday]. His accomplices are being sought by police.”