Shootout at east gas store
“They forced the security to lie on the ground and tied them up.”
A gas store was robbed in Silverton on Tuesday morning.
“Two men approached the store’s security personnel asking whether the store sold airtime,” said police spokesperson Captain Jan Sepato.
“After security told them that no airtime was being sold, the pair left, but later returned with guns.”
“They forced the security to lie on the ground and tied them up.”
ALSO READ: Powerbox explosion causes outage in the east
It was not specified how many security guards there were at the scene.
Sepato said they forced the tied men to tell them who else was inside before their accomplices stormed into the shop’s yard with a truck and a black Volvo sedan.
The men allegedly forced the security to help them load gas cylinders into the truck while pointing firearms at them.
“Security was able to call for back-up and the police were also alerted,” Sepato said.
When the backup armed response arrived, a shootout ensued between them and the alleged robbers.
Some of the suspects tried to get away on foot, but were caught before they could get far.
“Three of the men were arrested and taken into custody,” he said.
“Police are still searching for more.”
The truck and the car drove away with more suspects inside.
ALSO READ: NEWSFLASH: Two injured in Sunnyside sub-station explosion
Sepato said the number of alleged robbers was not known.
The truck and Volvo were traced to Hillbrow and 206 gas bottles and other items were recovered.
A case of business robbery and pointing of firearm was being investigated.
“The items were returned to the owner of the store.”
Sepato said no injuries were reported.
In a separate incident, a 36-year old man was arrested in La Montagne on Monday afternoon for dealing in dagga.
Sepato said the police, acting on a tip-off from the public, pounced on the man and on searching his house found R20 000 worth of dagga.
“There were also boxes used for packaging that were found in his possession, which suggest that he was dealing,” Sepato said.
He said even though private use of cannabis was permitted, people were not allowed to distribute or sell the substance.
“Dealing in dagga is illegal,” he said.
He commended members of the public for the tip-off
Anyone suspicting any illegal activity can report to the Silverton police or give an anonymous tip-off on 08600-10111 or SMS 32211.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
