The reservist from the Kleinvlei police, Mr André Steenkamp, risked his life when intervening in an alleged attempted robbery which occurred at a local shop in Eerste River.

Steenkamp came across four armed robbers attempting to rob a shop in Stratford.

According to Insp Annacletta Mothoalo from the Kleinvlei police’s communications department, the robbers entered the shop, cornered the owner and immediately blocked the entrance preventing anyone from entering the shop.

Steenkamp, who was in the vicinity, attempted to enter the shop, even though one of the suspects stationed at the door, refused to let him in.

A struggle ensued between Steenkamp and the suspect who had been guarding the entrance. After disarming the man, he managed to enter the shop.

As the other suspect’s attention was shifted away from the owner, the owner managed to grab a knife from one of the alleged robbers and fatally stabbed one of the suspects.

The suspect died at the scene.

Police reacted swiftly and arrested the other three suspects at the scene.

These men have been charged with armed robbery.

The Kleinvlei police’s station commissioner, Senior Superintendent Christopher Jones and the station management congratulated Steenkamp on a job well done.

“We wish him well to go forward with a good job of combating crime and protecting our community,” Mothoalo said.