Despatch Robbery Leads to Shootout

Immediate reaction by members of Port Elizabeth Flying Squad resulted in an arrest of 3 robbery suspects as well as the recovery of a firearm and gas pistol following a shootout with police on Saturday, 25 August 2018.

According to police information, at about 10:20, 3 suspects entered a shop in End Street in Khayamnandi in Despatch. One person was armed with a firearm and the suspects helped themselves to groceries, meat and a small amount of cash. Upon fleeing the scene, one shot was fired but no one sustained any injuries. The suspects escaped in a green Mazda vehicle. The vehicle’s registration number was immediately circulated and police in surrounding areas were alerted to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

PE Flying Squad members immediately responded by rushing off to the corners of Nooitgedacht and Uitenage Roads in Kleinskool. The vehicle was spotted and members pursued the vehicle. The suspects fired at police who retaliated. It is further alleged that the suspect alighted from the moving vehicle in an attempt to escape. The vehicle then collided into a stationary Corsa sedan vehicle. The members chased after the three fleeing suspects on foot while the suspects continued fired shots at them. Motherwell OCC, SAPS Bethelsdorp and Mount Road highway patrol vehicles arrived as backup and the search for the fleeing suspects continued. Flying Squad members arrested two suspects, both with gunshot wounds. The 31-year-old suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg while the 25-year-old suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his chest and arm. The third suspect escaped.

The fourth suspect (31) got out of the vehicle and fell a few yards away and died as a result of injuries sustained. Police recovered a gas gun which was in possession of the deceased and a 9mm pistol was also found in the vehicle.

The suspects were detained on charges of attempted murder (attack on police), possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and reckless/negligent driving. A case of murder and attempted murder was also opened in relation to the deceased and injured suspects. Some of the stolen goods were found in the vehicle. The vehicle is not reported stolen.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The Mount Road Cluster Commander, Major General Thembisile Patekile expressed his appreciation to the members who were quick to react and apprehend the suspects. ‘Criminals need to know that we are on their heels and will find them wherever they are. The deployment of additional members from the specialised units and the OCC increases our visibility and manpower hence we are able to close in on suspects immediately,’ added Major General Patekile.