Cape Town - A ninety-four-year-old Plettenberg Bay business owner has detailed how he fought off armed robbers who stormed his jewellery store on Tuesday morning.
It is alleged that at least three armed suspects entered the premises and threatened the occupants during an altercation.
Schalk Vorster detailed how he held onto one of the robbers’ legs after he had jumped over the counter, while he had a gun pointed to his face.
“Three of them entered the shop and two of them had firearms. One of the men tried to jump over the counter. I grabbed him by his legs and held on while he pushed a gun to my face,” he said.
A cleaner who heard the commotion and closed the entrance door on the men is what shook them and they fled away, according to Vorster.
“This is the third robbery in the jewellery shop that has been in the community for more than 20 years.”
Police spokesperson Christopher Spies said a manhunt was launched and various resources were deployed along exit routes to Knysna and Uniondale following the incident.
“Information available indicates that the vehicle was later spotted along the Prince Alfred pass on the R339 between Uniondale and Avontuur where a shootout ensued. One of the suspects exited the vehicle and fled into the bushes. The forces pursued the vehicle which fled in the direction of Uniondale. This vehicle was later found with one occupant with a gunshot wound to the leg. Circumstances surrounding his presence and injury is being investigated,” he said.
Spies said two of the suspects also forced a woman out of her vehicle while fleeing the scene.
“This vehicle was brought to a halt on the N9 at Uniondale Heights where one suspect was found with multiple gunshot wounds.
“He was later declared dead by paramedics on scene. The third suspect was arrested on scene.
Meanwhile the gentleman, found in the BMW, and the woman, owner of the hijacked vehicle, were taken to hospital for medical care.
Some of the jewellery was recovered and police also confiscated a pistol found in possession of one of the suspects. Cases of armed robbery, attempted murder and carjacking were opened for further police investigation,” he said.
The community has been urged to contact the police if they see one of the suspects who is still at large.
“He was dressed in black at the time and is believed to be armed. The public is urged not to approach the suspect if spotted, but to contact the local police with any information about his whereabouts.
Investigation into this matter continues,” Spies said.
Anyone with information on crime can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111, or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
Cape Times