Armed robbers held after car chase

A GAME of cat and mouse ensuedin Gelvandale yesterday as three armed robbers made their way to the Port Elizabeth northern areas suburb after a robbery in Linton Grange.

Police spokesman Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said the three men robbed a Westering High School caretaker at an ATM at a complex in Cape Road.

The men were forced to come to a standstill in Bell Road, Gelvandale, at about 1pm when their white Volkswagen Polo, with Knysna registration plates, hit the kerb and the back tyre burst. The men jumped out of the car and ran off in different directions.

"All three suspects were caught and arrested. They are all facing a charge of armed robbery. One firearm was found at the scene. The money has still not been retrieved," Labans said. Meanwhile, residents who gathered to watch the drama hurled insults at the suspects and begged police to set them free.

Gelvandale resident Feran Daniels shouted: "Give us five minutes with him in the street, we will make sure he never commits another crime in his life! Then you can take him! These people think they can come in here and just do what they want. We need to show them – they will learn!"

Enraged grandmother Gladys Huisman said: "We can't allow this to go on. We are losing children every day here! It is time to take action, because in a few days they will be out on bail doing the exact same thing.

"When will it stop? Only when we take action and let them know we won't allow it anymore."

Westering High School could not be reached for comment. - Tremaine van Aardt