3 men arrested, one unlicensed firearm seized following a shootout with police – SAPS Crime Report: 2021-11-25 08:50:55

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

OR TAMBO – Police arrested three men, seized an unlicensed firearm and two vehicles following a brazen shootout on the N2 near Tsomo on Wednesday morning, 24 November 2021.

On Wednesday, 24 November 2021 at about 01:30am, it is alleged that the Highway Patrol vehicle was traveling on the N2 busy with routine patrols when they spotted a suspicious vehicle, a white Ford vehicle.  Attempts to pull the vehicle off the road failed, resulting in a brief high speed chase. It is said that during the chase, the suspects opened fire, and police retaliated. It is further reported that near Sidwadweni Location, the suspects alighted from their vehicle and ran in between houses, but the police managed to arrest one suspect and recovered a firearm with no ammunition. The serial number of the seized firearm was filed off. Inside the abandoned vehicle, Highway Patrol members recovered a police reflective jacket and a bullet resistant vest. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation.  

Moments later, as the same police officers were on their way to SAPS Tsolo, it is said that a white Toyota Corolla traveling on the N2 with five occupants, at least one of them armed with an automatic rifle opened fire and damaged a police vehicle, and a shootout ensued. Police managed to apprehend two suspects, one of them sustained gunshot wounds. Three other suspects managed to flee and are still at large. An abandoned Toyota vehicle was also seized for further investigation. An injured man was treated at the nearest hospital, and discharged. No officers were injured during the two incidents. The three men are positively linked to at least six serious violent crimes including business robberies. The three suspects aged between 18 and 23 are due to appear in court soon on charges ranging from attempted murder to possession of unlicensed firearm. Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects to contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Mthetheleli Nongcawula at 082 319 8239 or Crime Stop 08600 10111. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated strictly confidential.

The acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Vukile Ntandane commended the police officers for their swift action. “I am pleased by the members’ swift tactical reaction, which led to the arrests and recovery of a firearm, which is yet to be sent to the laboratory for ballistic tests”, added Brig Ntandane.

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