Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene commended the police officers involved in the apprehension of three alleged business robbery suspects who robbed a local retail store on 17 January 2023, in Addo.
The drama unfolded at about 11:50, when SAPS Addo members responded to a complaint of a robbery in progress at the store on the main street.
As the members arrived, they were confronted by four males fleeing the store with 3 bags of loaded stolen goods. The men split up and ran in opposite directions.
The members ran after one pair of suspects who fled towards the railway station into dense bushes.
A shootout ensued between police and the suspects. A police Constable was shot in his buttocks, arm and left knee. A 21-year-old suspect was also wounded in his knee and was apprehended.
A 9mm Norinco pistol (serial number filed off) was recovered.
With the assistance of the Uitenhage K9 unit and private security, the bush was secured. K9 ‘Pierke’ was sent into the thick bush and apprehended a 33 year old suspect. A third suspect, aged 31 years old alleged to be the driver of the getaway vehicle was also apprehended
All the property mainly cell phones and cash that were in the bags have been recovered.
The vehicle, a white Avanza was also confiscated.
The 21-year-old suspect is detained on charges of business robbery, attempted murder and possession of a prohibited firearm. The 31-year-old driver and the 33-year-old suspects are detained on a charge of business robbery.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Kirkwood magistrate court soon.
Lt Gen Mene expressed her appreciation to all the officers involved and added that ‘the members had placed their lives in danger to ensure that criminals are apprehended and property recovered. We will not be threatened by criminals who want to deter us from executing our mandate of serving and protecting our fellow citizens. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured police officer. We will continue to serve our communities with commitment, care and effectiveness. We have intensified our search for the outstanding suspects and we appeal to whoever may have information about their whereabouts to immediately contact the nearest police station. Callers have a choice to remain anonymous.’
