Bus robbery thwarted by tip-off
The Golden Arrow Bus Service says a robbery on one of its buses was prevented after a tip-off led to the arrest of would-be robbers.
CAPE TOWN, May 21 (ANA) – The Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) said a robbery on one of its buses was prevented after a tip-off led to the arrest of the would-be robbers.
In a statement released by the bus company on Friday, general manager Derick Meyer said that at approximately 4.30pm, management received an internal tip-off of suspicious behaviour of four men who had boarded the bus at Century City.
He said the Golden Arrow team immediately alerted the authorities, who managed to pull the bus over along Bofors Circle in Epping.
Meyer said authorities conducted a search and one of the suspicious men tried talking his way out of being searched by claiming he was late for work.
Authorities ignored his excuse and found two imitation firearms in his bag. The man subsequently pointed out his alleged accomplices on the bus.
The suspect was arrested and, along with his alleged accomplices, taken to the Elsies River police station.
Meyer said a thorough investigation now had to be conducted to see whether these suspects could be linked to any other bus robberies.
“GABS is extremely grateful to all those who were involved in ensuring that the bus was intercepted and to the metro police members who rushed to the scene and apprehended the suspects.
“We believe that this is further evidence that working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City of Cape Town’s safety and security portfolio plays a vital part in addressing crime affecting our services,” Meyer said.
He said he hoped this would send out a strong message to criminals considering targeting GABS buses.
Meyer said the bus company was doing everything in its power to ensure its employees and passengers are not targeted.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher