Gqeberha 15 July 2022: In our efforts to strengthen and enhance security in hotspot areas, the involvement of specialised units and private security companies must be utilised in station areas in order to fulfil our mandate.
On Thursday,14/07 at about 19:55, a Gqeberha K9 unit member was patrolling the Swartkops area and had stopped to visit a shop in Old Grahamstown Road in Swartkops. Before he could enter, he noticed three males running away from the shop towards the M17 highway. At the same time, the owner rushed out screaming that he had been robbed.
The member got into his vehicle and chased after the fleeing suspects. With the assistance of the Station Commander of SAPS Swartskops, his members and a private security company, the three suspects were apprehended.
On searching the suspects, the K9 member found a 9mm Browning pistol with 2 live 9mm rounds on one of them. The stolen cash was also recovered.
The suspects aged between 25-35 years old were detained on a charge of business robbery and an additional charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition was added to the third suspect.
In another unrelated incident, on Thursday, 14/07 at about 20:40,Flying Squad members received and followed up on information about a person in central in possession of an illegal firearm. A suspect fitting the description provided was spotted walking Pearson Street and attempted to flee when he spotted the police vehicle. He was apprehended and a 9mm pistol was found in his possession
The 26-year-old male was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm.
All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. Ownership of both firearms is yet to be established. The firearms will be sent to ballistics for testing.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Nacata applauded the arrests and swift action of the members. ‘ These arrests and confiscations are evident that our operational members are out there taking a proactive approach in fighting crime. We appreciate the support and co-operation of security companies in our integrated approach in policing,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.