Concerted efforts to fight the proliferation of illegal firearms in the Uitenhage Cluster paid off last night, 21 September 2018, when alert flying squad members acted swiftly upon receiving valuable information about suspected armed robbers.
Flying Squad members followed up on the information and noticed the three suspects driving in a suspected stolen motor vehicle (Volvo S40) on the Perseverance Road, Despatch at about 20:30.
Members acted promptly and pulled the driver of the vehicle off the road and conducted a thorough search. A shotgun with several rounds were found in the possession of the suspects, as well as groceries suspected to belong to a complainant in a Thornhill business robbery case that occurred on Thursday evening, 20 September 2018.
The three suspects were arrested on charges ranging from the illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the possession of suspected stolen property (vehicle and groceries).
The possibility that the three suspects are also being linked to the business robbery in Daweti Street, Phase 2, Thornhill, on 20 September 2018 at about 18:20 are under investigation.
In that case, it is alleged that four armed suspects entered the shop, threatened the owner with firearms and demanded cash, cigarettes, airtime and groceries from the store. The suspects fled in a silver Volvo S40 from the scene. Thornhill detectives are investigating a case of robbery at a business premises and the arrest of the outstanding suspect is imminent.
The suspects age between 18 and 22 might appear in the Uitenhage and Hankey Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, on the respective charges. More charges might be added also. The shotgun will be sent for ballistic testing.
The South African Police Service will continue with their Back to Basics approach, with the aim to intensify their patrols in order to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Acting Uitenhage Cluster Commander, Brigadier Ronald Koll commended the members for their alertness, their efforts and vigilance in ensuring that they bring those culprits who break the law, to book.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
