Robbery suspect arrested after shootout with police, New Brighton

South African Police Service

Robbery suspect arrested after shootout with police, New Brighton
Robbery suspect arrested after shootout with police, New Brighton

A 23 year old suspect was arrested by the Motherwell Cluster Operational Command Centre members at 20:30 last night, 22 August 2018. The suspect was found in Stofile Street, New Brighton after visiting a tavern in that street. On searching the suspect, he was found in possession of a 9mm pistol of which the serial number have been removed. He was arrested on a charge of illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In another incident, a robbery took place in Ndaba Street, New Brighton this morning, 23 August 2018, at 10:00. A 41 year old male was on his way to work and walking in the street, when he was pointed with a firearm by a male suspect and robbed of his cellphone and back pack containing personal belongings.

During the robbery, a scuffle ensued between the victim and the suspect, and one shot was fired by the suspect. A New Brighton SAPS vehicle close by, heard the shot and on approaching the robbery scene, several shots were also fired on the police members by the suspect.

The police members returned fire and the suspect fled between the houses. Backup SAPS vehicles were called to the scene, and after about 15 minutes search, the 29 year old suspect was found hiding in a shack about 50 metres away by SAPS Flying Squad and K9 members.

The firearm, a 9mm pistol of which the serial number have been removed, as well as the belongings of the victim were found in his possession. He was arrested on charges of attempted murder, armed robbery and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Both firearms in these incidents will be sent for forensic and ballistic testing for possible linking to other serious crimes as well as to determine ownership of the firearms. Both suspects will be appearing in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on 24 August 2018 to face their charges.

The Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Radie applauded the arrests and assured the community that “Illegal firearms will remain one of the key focus areas for SAPS as serious crimes are committed by suspects using firearms. We are urging our communities to blow the whistle on suspects that are in possession of firearms.”

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service