Bandit struck down after robbing stranded woman, flees without money

The police say that investigations are being conducted into an armed robbery that occurred at about 1340h. today at Melanie Damishana Public Road, ECD, during which Bibi Zalifa Bacchus, 36 years, of Nootenzuil, ECD, was robbed of $200,000 and a cell phone by a man armed with a handgun.

The police say that investigations have revealed that Bacchus was in a motor vehicle that had sustained a puncture and the suspect held her up and demanded the articles which she handed over and he escaped on a bicycle.

In his haste to escape, the police say that the suspect was struck down by a motor car and the stolen money and the firearm fell on the roadway. He, however, abandoned them as public-spirited persons had responded, and he joined a motor car that is believed to have been driven by an accomplice and escaped.

The stolen money and the firearm, a .32 revolver with four rounds, and the bicycle have been recovered as they were handed over to the police by residents on arrival at the scene shortly after.