The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Andre Swart has commended the members of Port Elizabeth Flying Squad for the excellent recovery of 18 firearms in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth last night, 16 January 2019.
It is alleged that at about 19:05, Flying Squad members were on their way home when a report of a shooting was relayed via radio control. A Description of the vehicle and registration number was circulated. Members spotted the vehicle, a blue VW Citi Golf, travelling in the opposite direction in Rensburg Street in Bethelsdorp.
A chase ensued and the suspects started firing shots at the police members. The vehicle then stopped and one occupant alighted from the vehicle and fled on foot. More shots were fired at the police members who retaliated. The chase continued into several streets and in the process, a bag was thrown out of the car. Members picked up the bag and continued with the chase.
In Bullrush Street the driver of the VW Golf lost control of the Vehicle and collided into a boundary wall. It is alleged that three occupants alighted from the vehicle who fled in different directions. The alleged driver, a 25 year old male, was fatally wounded.
On inspecting the contents of the bag, the police found Eighteen firearms.
Cases of Attempted Murder on police, illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition and Murder are under investigation. The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Port Elizabeth is on the hunt for four outstanding suspects.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Andre Swart has applauded the swift reaction of our members in blue. ‘Our members risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of their communities. The proliferation of illegal firearms contribute to crimes such as murder and gang violence. We will not rest until we are satisfied that the people of these areas are safe and that criminals involved in gang activities are arrested and put behind bars. ’
The suspects are still at large and the SAPS are appealing to any members of the community who can assist with information that could lead to their speedy arrest to contact the Crime Stop Number on 0860010111 or Lieutenant Colonel Vanus De Bruyn on 072 731 9120 at the Provincial Organised Crime Unit (Gang Investigation).
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