The SAPS has the responsibility to protect the vulnerable in society and these responsibilities are taken seriously through thorough investigations, effective arrests and successful prosecutions.
On Monday, 14 May 2018, the Provincial Gang Investigation Unit arrested a 22 year old suspect at a tavern in Voissen Road in Gelvandale. At about 10:30 police immediately followed up on information received and arrested the Upstand Dogs gang affiliate.
It is alleged that on 18 November 2017, a two old boy was fatally injured while a 17 year old teenager sustained a gunshot wound in the neck in Helenvale. It is further alleged that at about 14:45 this afternoon, the teenager was sitting on the steps of a house in Hartbees Street in Helenvale when the suspect approached from an open field and started shooting at him. The victim ran into the street and the suspect continued firing at him. A two year old boy, Akiem Baartman who was playing in the street was fatally struck by a bullet in the head. The shooting at the teenager is gang related and police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder. The teenager was injured in the neck.
The suspect will appear in the Port Elizabeth magistrate’s court on Thursday, 17 May 2018 on charges of murder and attempted murder.
The Acting Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Brigadier Andrew Louw thanked the community for their assistance in tracing the suspect who continuously evaded arrest. ‘The community is the eyes and ears of the police and we, the police need the assistance of the community to ensure that these callous criminals are arrested and removed from society. Active community participation is pivotal in our fight against crime,’ added Brig Louw.
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