Police apprehend robbery suspect in Verulam CBD following swift response

On Thursday morning, a 21-year-old man was arrested inside a clothing store on Wick Street in Verulam's Central Business District (CBD), KwaZulu-Natal. Through the prompt action of store's employees and response of Reaction Unit South Africa's (RUSA) members, resulted in the successful apprehension of a robbery suspect, who had attempted to carry out a violent attack.

Slightly after 10am, staff at the store noticed the man's suspicious conduct. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect entered the retail establishment shortly after the store's security officer took a break from duty.

The suspect seized the opportunity and brandished a weapon (a knife) which led to panic among the employees.

Fearing their safety, the staff fled the scene, locked the door and secured the gate at the store in a bid to protect themselves from the armed assailant.

The suspects plan quickly unraveled. Trapped inside the store, he attempted to break through the security gate in a desperate bid for freedom, causing damage to goods and equipment in the process.

RUSA officers arrived on the scene and apprehended the suspect before he could escape.

The incident once again raised concerns about safety and security in the Verulam CBD, and calls for increased surveillance and preventive measures for local businesses increased.

A knife was recovered at the scene, and will form part police investigations into the suspect's intentions and possible connections to similar crimes.

DAILY NEWS