Despite a total of eight MTN robbery suspects being behind bars, attacks at the cellphone stores are continuing.
In the latest incident, cops arrested four armed suspects who attempted to rob the MTN store at Riverside Mall, in Rondebsoch Main Road, on Wednesday.
This is the sixth MTN store to be hit in Cape Town in less than six weeks.
But they appealed to mense to help police with vital information about the robberies.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut, says cops responded after a panic button was set off by a staff member in the store.
As cops arrived on the scene, the robbers shot at them but they were outnumbered in a matter of minutes.
Cops arrested four of the suspects, while two of them managed to escape in a car.
“The robbers shot at police but were quickly outnumbered and four, aged in their 30s, were arrested,” explains Traut.
“Two suspects managed to flee the scene in a VW Polo and our detectives are hot in pursuit.
“Fortunately no one was injured during the wild shootout by the suspects.
“Once charged, the suspects are due to make a court appearance in Wynberg.”
On 20 June, two robbers stormed the MTN store at Parow Centre Mall, demanding cellphones and threatening staff at gunpoint.
As they fled the scene, they opened fire, wounding a passer-by in the arm.
They managed to get away in an unidentified vehicle and are still at large.
Stores in Ottery, Kenilworth Centre and Westgate Mall have been targeted since May.
After the robbery took place at Kenilworth Centre on 23 May, cops arrested four suspects.
Anyone with information that can assist with the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
MTN’s Gaba Majola confirmed the attempted armed robbery but would not comment further regarding the incident.
“Post-traumatic counselling for the employees and customers that were present during this incident has been arranged,” Majola says.