Alice, Eastern Cape, trio robs business, trio impersonates SAPS officers, man arrested for business robbery, robbery suspect found floating in lake, South African Police Service, SAPS

A 25-year-old business robbery suspect was arrested after he was spotted floating in a lake following the incident. Photo: lilttleskittle / Flickr

Police arrest a robbery suspect found FLOATING in a lake

SAPS arrested a 25-year-old suspect who was spotted floating in a lake following a business robbery in Alice, Eastern Cape.

Alice, Eastern Cape, trio robs business, trio impersonates SAPS officers, man arrested for business robbery, robbery suspect found floating in lake, South African Police Service, SAPS

A 25-year-old business robbery suspect was arrested after he was spotted floating in a lake following the incident. Photo: lilttleskittle / Flickr

A 25-year-old male suspect was arrested following a business robbery in Alice, Eastern Cape.

Three men pretending to be officers robbed a business

According to Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain  Siphokazi Mawisa three males entered the premises and introduced themselves as police officials. The trio were dressed in SAPS bulletproof vests.

Whilst speaking with a teller, they pointed a firearm at her before demanding money. The trio instructed the teller to open the area where the money was kept. They proceeded to take four bags filled with money and used the back door to escape.

How was the suspect found in a lake?

“The community spotted one of the suspects and gave chase till he disappeared in the lake,” said Mawisa.

Police responded to the matter and upon further investigation, they spotted the suspect floating in the lake. He was arrested. A thorough police investigation led officers to recover an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect who was found floating in a lake is being charged with business robbery. He is expected to appear before the Alice Magistrate’s Court soon. SAPS revealed that the other two suspects are still at large but an investigation is ongoing.

Suspect arrested for possession of uncut diamonds and flora

Previously, it was reported that a single suspect was arrested for possession of uncut diamonds and flora in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday, 24 August, in the Western Cape.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said West Coast Rural Flying Squad were conducting routine patrols on the N7 near Clanwilliam, in the early hours of Wednesday when they stopped a white Toyota Corolla with one occupant.

“The vehicle and the occupant’s luggage was searched and flora plants with an estimated street value of R400 000 and five uncut diamonds were confiscated,” he said. Read the full story here.