Police in Kariega arrested two male suspects, confiscated two firearms and recovered the stolen goods following a brazen armed robbery of a second-hand dealer at Corkwood Mall in Kariega on 25 October 2022.
It is alleged that at about 13:30, several armed men entered the store, held the staff at gunpoint and fled with several cellphones, laptops, cash as well as other valuable electronic items.
They then jumped into a white NP200 bakkie and drove off.
During the robbery the panic alarm was activated, and on police (SAPS K9) arrival the security guards at the mall pointed at the fleeing bakkie with approximately 8 male suspects.
The K9 vehicle pursued after the bakkie which headed towards Despatch. The Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and SAPS Uitenhage vehicles provided backup and joined in the chase.
The driver of the NP200 bakkie lost control of the vehicle which came to a stop in Khozi Street, Khayamnandi.
All the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled the scene. Two of the suspects pointed the police members with firearms and both suspects were wounded in their legs. They were arrested and their firearms confiscated. The other six (6) suspects managed to evade arrest.
The stolen goods were found in the bakkie (value not yet determined). The vehicle (bakkie) was also confiscated for forensic analysis.
The two wounded suspects aged 28 and 39 years were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Cases of possession of stolen goods as well as the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition are being investigated against them. Additional charges may be included as the investigation unfolds.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata applauded the swift action by the SAPS members which resulted in the arrest of the two suspects and the recovery of the stolen property. ‘Police officers concentrating in the hotspot areas not only means that they are visible at all times to deter criminality but they are also quick to respond to the needs of the communities,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
