Gqeberha 4 February 2023: Excellent collaboration between various police units including off duty police officers ended in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a police firearm that was taken in a robbery on Thursday afternoon, 2/02
It is alleged that at about 13:00 on the mentioned date, a police Constable from SAPS Kwanobuhle was on duty and was in a shop in Nyanda Street when he was attacked from behind by an unknown person. He was hit on his head with a blunt object. When the dazed member fell, the suspect grabbed his firearm and ran off.
Immediately, various police units mobilised to hunt for the suspect. Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combatting Unit (CCU) members who were off duty activated their informers and started the search for the suspect. They were later assisted by SAPS Kwanobuhle Crime Prevention members (both on and off duty) as well as the Provincial OCI (Gang Investigation).
The team conducted an extensive search in the Gunguluza area 11, a hotspot for criminality. At about 22:40, one suspect aged 27, was arrested at a house in Nyembu Street where he was found in possession of ammunition. The second suspect, aged 25 years old was arrested at a house in Bantom Street. He was found in possession of the police firearm.
The 27 year old was detained on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition while the 25 year old was detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and attempted murder. Additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds. They are expected to appear in the Kwanobuhle magistrate court on Monday, 6/02.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the team for their swift activation which led to the arrests and recovery of the firearm. ’Criminals who blatantly disrespect and have no fear of the law will be dealt with accordingly. We applaud the excellent teamwork by members especially those that were off duty who never hesitated to immediately hunt for the alleged perpetrator. Such dedication and care is synonymous to the camaraderie shared by police officers,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.