A 32-year-old suspect was arrested during a foiled business robbery in Witbank yesterday, Tuesday, 01 August 2023 at about 18:50.
The suspect allegedly entered the restaurant in the city centre and pretended to be a customer. He then pulled out an object which resembled a firearm, put it on the counter and demanded for cash.
The cashier’s colleagues activated a panic button whilst a call for help was made from a nearby supermarket as well as security personnel.
The suspect attempted to escape, empty handed, however, he was swiftly apprehended by the security officers from CSC Tactical Security Company after spotting him as they were patrolling in the area.
He was found to be in possession of a toy gun. Police were summoned to the scene and the man was charged for attempted business robbery.
The suspect is due to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Thursday, 03 August 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the partnership between security companies and the SAPS in the area as both law enforcement agencies have a common enemy which is crime.