Port Elizabeth: On Saturday, 8 July at about 22:15, three suspects aged 26, 28 and 31 years were arrested after a high speed chase by members of the Mount Road Operational Command Centre and SAPS Bethelsdorp.
It is alleged that members from the Visible Gang Intervention Team were patrolling in the Bethelsdorp area when they responded to the sound of gunshots being fired in the Arcadia area. They were informed by members of the community that a white VW Polo was allegedly involved in the shooting. The suspected vehicle was spotted in Rensburg Street after which a high speed chased ensued between the police and the vehicle. Several shots were fired at the police who retaliated with the same. SAPS Bethelsdorp assisted their colleagues and the vehicle was stopped in Barend Street, Salt Lake. The three occupants were arrested. A Taurus revolver and ammunition was seized. No injuries sustained in the shootout however both vehicles were damaged with bullet holes. The suspects were detained on charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and reckless and/or negligent driving.
The Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Maj Gen Funeka Siganga has commended the members involved in the speedy reaction and arrests of the suspects. “Shooting at our members will not deter them from executing their duties. We will continue to eradicate criminal elements from the area and we appreciate the communities’ involvement and assistance in reporting these criminals to the police,” added Maj Gen Siganga.
Suspect arrested for illegal possession of ammunition: Bethelsdorp
On 8 July at about 18:30, a 16 year old male was arrested by SAPS Bethelsdorp after the complainant reported to the police station that he was allegedly shot while sitting in his vehicle in Soudien Road in Bethelsdorp. The complainant sustained two gunshot wounds to his upper arm. While patrolling the area, a person fitting the description of the suspect was spotted in Burgins Street. The suspect was found in possession of ammunition. He was detained on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition. The suspect is affiliated to the New Kids gang. Additional charges may be added at a later stage.
Suspects Arrested for Business Robbery
Two suspects were arrested soon after a garage in Sidwell was robbed late Saturday night. It is alleged that at about 22:00, three men went to the assistant at the till and pointed a firearm at her. They demanded the money from the till and ran out. Members from the Motherwell OCC, after viewing the video footage at the garage, realised that they had stopped and searched the occupants prior to the robbery. At about 02:00 on Sunday morning, determined to trace the suspects, the same members spotted the Honda Ballade parked at a tavern in New Brighton. Two suspects were arrested while the third managed to escape. They are detained on a charge of armed robbery and will appear in court soon.
Inquest
A 47-year-old truck driver from Barkly East allegedly drowned while swimming in the sea at the New Brighton beach on Saturday afternoon. According to police information, at about 14:00 Moses Makole and three other truckers were swimming when Makole was washed out to sea by the ocean current. At about 15:00 his body was found by the coastal guards. An inquest docket has been opened.
Alan Straton
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