Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the men in blue for their outstanding efforts in apprehending four suspects involved in a series of serious offences in the Kwazakele and New Brighton areas in the last week.
The swift action of SAPS New Brighton Crime Prevention members following a high-speed chase last night led to the arrest of the four suspects, putting an end to their disruptive activities. For the past week a group of five (5) males ran amok in these areas by committing crimes such as car hijacking, house robberies and robberies from persons in the mentioned areas. During their crime spree, cell phones, laptops, TV sets and vehicles were stolen.
The last vehicle hijacked was a dark Grey Audi Q3 taken at gunpoint from the owner in Nobatana Street in Kwazakele at 20:00 last night, 19 April 2024.
At about 21:30, New Brighton CPU members on patrol spotted the Audi (with 5 males inside) driving in Mbilini Street, Kwazakele. On seeing the police, the driver suddenly sped off, resulting in a high-speed chase. When they reached Mavuso Road, the suspects started shooting at police who retaliated with the same. The driver of the Audi lost control of the vehicle in Ngene Street and the vehicle stalled close to a boundary wall.
Four of the five occupants were apprehended while the 5th managed to evade an arrest by fleeing. On searching the vehicle, nine suspected stolen cell phones, a 9mm pistol with magazine and ammunition, and 2 sets of vehicle keys were found and confiscated. A 17-year-old suspect sustained a gunshot wound in his foot and was taken to hospital for treatment. All four suspects are aged between 17 and 20 years old.
They are detained on charges of attempted murder, possession of hijacked vehicle, possession of suspected stolen property and the illegal possession of a firearm. More charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.
The suspects are expected to appear in the New Brighton magistrates court on Monday, 22 April 2024 on the respective charges.
Maj Gen Ncata commended the members for their vigilance and added that, “The unwavering commitment of our members last night has put an end to the reign of mayhem of these criminals. We are on the hunt for the fifth suspect and it is only a matter of time before he is behind bars.”
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