“After stealing the till and other products, the offenders fled in a stolen vehicle and dumped it in a nearby street.”
Police said the trio were then allegedly seen getting into another vehicle, which members of the public reported to police.
Officers were able to track the vehicle to nearby Alfriston Rd.
“From there a combined effort between the Eagle helicopter and ground units directed our focus to Ellen St in Manurewa,” said Paea.
The alleged offenders were found inside the property, where the till and other stolen items were recovered.
The 17-year-olds were charged with aggravated robbery, with the 16-year-old facing an additional charge of assault with a blunt instrument.
They were expected to appear in the Manukau Youth Court today.
Hato Hone St John confirmed one ambulance attended Mahia Superette at 8.20am.
One patient in a minor condition was treated at the scene.
Mahia Superette thanked community members who had checked in on them after the incident.
“We have opened back up now but please give us some time to clean up so excuse the mess,” the store said in a social media post.
This incident marks the second attack at the store within three months.
In November, a woman was allegedly stabbed in front of her children outside the superette.
One person was taken into custody after the incident, which left staff “very shaken”.
