MTUNZINI’S Hely Hutchinson Drive resembled the wild west yesterday morning during a shoot-out between two armed robbers and police.
According to Empangeni SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, two suspects entered the Mtunzini Country Club at 7.30am armed with handguns.
Two of three employees on the premises at the time were ordered to lie on the floor, while the third was instructed to open the safe.
‘The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and also an employee’s handbag, after which they casually walked out of the club,’ said one of the victims, who preferred to remain anonymous.
‘I had the keys for the club in my hand when they walked in with their guns raised. It happened so quickly and they just strolled out once they had what they wanted. After they left I pressed the panic button and Imvula Security arrived within seconds.’
Mdlalose said Mtunzini police chased the robbers with the assistance of Imvula Security and managed to apprehended one of them.
‘Shots were fired at the police, but nobody was injured.’
The arrested suspect, a 34-year-old male was found in the possession of a 9mm pistol with the serial number scratched out.
The other suspect fled with the money and handbag and avoided arrest.
The caught robber was charged for business robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and also attempted murder. He will appear in the Mtunzini Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
LifeLine was contacted to counsel the employees after their traumatic ordeal.
