IKAMVELIHLE — Three suspects have been arrested following a swift South African Police Service (SAPS) response to an Ikamvelihle business robbery, culminating in a high-speed chase and the recovery of two firearms and suspected stolen property.
On Monday, 24 August 2026, at approximately 07:50, Ikamvelihle SAPS shift members received intelligence regarding an active business robbery at a local tavern on Mkombe Street in Ikamvelihle. Officers immediately activated and deployed to the location.
Upon approaching the scene, police observed a silver-grey Toyota Starlet departing the area. A high-speed pursuit ensued, and the vehicle was eventually intercepted and forced to stop on Mpunzi Street in NU1, Ikamvelihle. Five suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot in different directions. Officers successfully apprehended three of the suspects, while two individuals remain at large and are actively being sought by authorities.
A subsequent search of the impounded vehicle yielded a significant recovery of suspected stolen goods. This included various liquor stock valued at approximately R20,000, an undisclosed amount of cash, two firearms, two empty magazines, and eight cartridges. The recovered firearms have been submitted to the forensic laboratory for further ballistic analysis.
According to the initial investigation, the robbery occurred shortly before the police response when four armed men entered the tavern premises. The assailants allegedly tied the complainant’s hands, demanded money, and searched the establishment before fleeing with cash, liquor, food items, and the complainant’s wedding band.
The three apprehended suspects, aged between 19 and 23, have been formally arrested and are facing charges of business robbery. They are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court during the week, with additional charges to be applied where applicable. Detectives are currently investigating whether these suspects can be linked to other similar cases reported in the Motherwell, Ikamvelihle, and Swartkops areas.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Loyiso Ngalo, commended the responding SAPS members for their quick response and decisive action. Brig Ngalo noted that the immediate activation and interception following the received information directly resulted in the successful apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of both firearms and suspected stolen property.
