Police trade fire with shop robbers, arrest four suspects in Durban

Police went toe-to-toe with a gang of armed robbers who stormed a SaveRite shop in Phoenix, north of Durban, at the weekend.

The eight-strong gang forced its way into the store, holding staff at gunpoint and helping themselves to cash and cigarettes.

As police responded, they exchanged fire with the gang, whose members took off on foot towards the nearby shack settlement of Amaoti.

Police spokesman Lt-Col Thulani Zwane said fleet-footed police arrested four men.

“A man was at his business in Phoenix when he was confronted by eight suspects who robbed him at gunpoint of cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot,” he said.

“A shootout took place between them and police, who  arrested four suspects  They will appear in court soon on robbery and attempted murder charges,” Zwane added.