Teen tries hold-up with toy gun

EAST LONDON -- An 18-year-old youth armed with a toy gun was apprehended by a shop owner during an attempted armed robbery at Mooiplaas on Thursday.

Inspector Stephen Marais said the suspect allegedly entered Makhelwane Store in Soto Village at about 5.30pm and asked for a packet of cigarettes. The cashier, Nomonde Mditshwa put the cigarettes on the counter and asked for payment. The youth reached into his pocket and produced what appeared to be a 9mm pistol, Marais said.

Shop owner Nonzwenguye Mditshwa overpowered him after a struggle and called the police, who found that the gun was a toy. The suspect has been detained at Mooiplaas and will appear in court on Monday. -- DDR