A Klerksdorp man was arrested with a replica firearm after an attempt to rob a clothing store in Welkom on Wednesday, 24 January.
The clients inside the shop were told the business was about to close for the day. Then the security officer was approached by one of the suspects, who lifted up his shirt and showed the security officer a firearm that was in his pants.
There were three men and one woman inside the business premises at Mannys, Welkom.
The security guard was forcefully instructed to go to the manager’s office. He managed to take out his pepper spray to defend himself by spraying the suspect in the face.
The suspect turned and ran towards the door and the other three people followed and ran in the direction of the taxi rank.
Another security guard saw the complainant with pepper spray chasing the suspect and he assisted.
The suspect was chased until he was arrested near Bella’s tavern at Mannys. He was brought back to the clothing store and searched, and the firearm was found.
Welkom flying squad members responded at the scene and the 44-year-old man from Jouberton, Klerksdorp, with a replica firearm was arrested and firearm was seized.
The suspect is facing a charge of attempted business robbery and he appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
