In addressing trio crimes as outlined by the National Trio Crime Action Plan, police in Port Elizabeth is swiftly curtailing the freedom of criminals committing these crimes in their policing precinct.
In separate incidents on Wednesday, 26 June 2019, robbery suspects were arrested soon after committing their offences.
Two suspects were apprehended by SAPS Kabega Park members who were in the vicinity when a shop was robbed by three men. According to police information, the complainant (24) was behind the counter when three males entered. One went to the fridge while the other went to the back of the shop. The third suspect pulled out a firearm and demanded the money.
Cigarettes, cash and toiletries were thrown into a bag. They ran out of the shop and got into a waiting gold Mazda 3 vehicle. In their haste to get away, one suspect was left behind and was arrested by police. A chase ensued between the getaway vehicle and police who succeeded in stopping the vehicle. Two males got out and ran away while the remaining one was arrested in the vehicle.
The stolen goods and cash was found in the vehicle. Both suspects aged 30 and 31 are detained on a charge of business robbery and are expected to appear in court soon.
In another case, one suspect was arrested by SAPS Walmer Crime Prevention members after two suspects allegedly robbed a couple in their house in Mpukani Street in Walmer location. It is alleged that the 34 year old complainant and his wife were inside their house when at about 23:00 they heard a knock on the door. After the knock they heard the gate being broken. The door was then kicked open and two suspects entered.
They pointed the complainant with a firearm and demanded money. Cash, a TV, a laptop and two cell phones were taken. Suspects are known to the complainant.
Mount Road Detective Trio Task Team members followed up on several leads as to the whereabouts of the suspects and at about 13:00 on 26 June 2019, Walmer Crime Prevention members arrested a 25 year old suspect at his workplace in Burman Road in Deal Party. A second arrest is imminent.
Mount Road Cluster Commander, Major General Thembisile Patekile commended the arresting officers and commented that “Trio crimes need to be seriously addressed as it has a negative impact on the quality of life of our citizens.”
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