28 August, 2003 Press Release ARMED ROBBER STOPPED ON HIS TRACKS At approximately 08h00 on Saturday the 23rd August 2003 two armed robbers overpowered a worker as he was opening Picca Chicken a shop at the Metro Mall. The alleged robbers forced the worker to the safe and demanded that he open the safe. They took money and fled on foot down Bree Street. MTC Security officers spotted the suspects and gave chase. They opened fire to discourage apprehension but MTC officers were not discouraged. At some stage, one of the Faraday Taxi Drivers (whose name is withheld for security reasons) saw the commotion and attempted to stop the suspect with his vehicle. He tried to overpower the suspect was unfortunately shot in the upper leg. The MTC Security Police later overpowered and arrested the suspected robber. The SAPS arrived a few minutes later and took the suspect away. A case of attempted murder and robbery was opened. The taxi driver was taken to the Hospital and has since being discharged. It is unfortunate that a man who supports six children and wife will now not be going to work for sometime. The Metropolitan Trading Company expresses gratitude to the brave taxi driver because had it not being for him, the robber suspect would have escaped . The MTC is making all necessary arrangements to assist the taxi driver during this difficult time. His family will be supplied with a month's food supply and cover transport fees for him and his wife while attending treatment. This is the Metropolitan Trading Company's expression of gratitude and total commitment to the safety in the Mall. The MTC will continue to award brave officers as a way of encouraging them in their mission to rid the Mall and other parts of the City of criminal activity. Ends Operations Manager ? Nhlanhla Ndovela Tel: 011-833 7344 Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za