Durban - Two men have been arrested after a robbery at a shop and a car chase of almost an hour through the streets of Pinetown.
Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane said the men, aged 26 and 33, were among four armed men who entered a business in Westmead, Pinetown on Wednesday.
“They robbed the staff of their belongings. Police then spotted the four men from the scene,” said Zwane.
A car chase ensued.
A policeman said the men had taken wallets, cash and cellphones at the business, but had not assaulted or shot anyone there.
Police chased the men through the streets of Pinetown for “less than an hour” before they stopped their car.
They arrested two of the men.
The pair were found to be in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The police seized a pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition and another, of a different make, with two live rounds of ammunition.
The other two men fled.
“No shots were fired between the police and men.”
Police also recovered the items taken from the people at the Westmead business
“The seized firearms will be sent to ballistics to ascertain whether they have been used in the commission of any other crimes,” Zwane said.
The men arrested were facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
They would appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.
Zwane said police would continue searching for the other two men.
He praised the arresting officers, Warrant Officer Dion Venter and Constable Phila Mabaso, saying they had done “sterling work by swiftly arresting the suspects and their work is commended”. - The Mercury