Five heavily armed male suspects aged 23-42 years old from Qumbu were arrested and charged for illegal possession of firearms and conspiracy to commit robbery on 11 January 2021, at about 14:00.
The arrest followed after police Intelligence received information about a white Nissan GO with dark windows with five occupants travelling from Qumbu to Mount Frere.
According to the information, all occupants were heavily armed as a result police immediately activated the combat team to assist. A vehicle fitting the above description was seen driving on the opposite side towards Mount Frere. Police made a U-turn and continued following the vehicle at a distance until it was stuck at a traffic jam at Qumbu CBD.
The driver of the suspected vehicle in front made a quick U-turn facing Qumbu direction, trying to evade police but the suspect’s vehicle was ultimately cornered. All the occupants were instructed to get out of vehicle, lie down and police arrested them.
After the suspects were searched, the following weapons were recovered hidden under the seats,
• A firearm 9mm Z88 with 5 rounds.
• Uzi with 16 live ammunition in a bag,
• One 9mm Norinco with 6 live rounds and
• Axe and big knife
All five suspects are expected to appear in Mount Frere Magistrates’ court on 12 January 2021 facing charges of
1) Possession of dangerous weapons.
2) Possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
3) Conspiracy to commit robbery.
4) Possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the teamwork leading to the arrest. “Your actions saved lives, protected private property and ensured that all are protected from marauding criminals,” she said emphatically.
