PORT ELIZABETH - THE STREETS ARE A LITTLE SAFER AFTER 3 WANTED GANG MEMBERS ARE ARRESTED IN HELENVALE

The Anti-Gang Unit Tracking and Combat teams were today, 27 November 2019, hot on the heels of suspects wanted in gang related shootings in the Gelvandale area.

The first arrest was effected at 11:30 on Wednesday morning, in Pienaar Street in Helenvale. The team were tracking wanted suspects when they spotted a 28-year-old male in the street. The suspect is wanted for an attempted murder case which took place in July 2016.

It is alleged that at about 08:10 on 15 July 2016, the complainant and his friend were standing at the corners of Deverill and Standford Road when they noticed the suspect with a firearm in his hand. He fired several shots at the duo who did not sustain any injuries.

The second suspect was arrested at about 13:15 on Wednesday afternoon in Fitchard Street in Helenvale. While conducting investigation duties, the AGU Tracking Team received information about the 30-year-old attempted murder suspect. Information was immediately followed up and the suspect was arrested in front of a house.

It is alleged that on 1 January 2019 at about 00:25, the 52-year-old complainant and his family were asleep in their house in Chamois Street in Helenvale when shots were fired at their house. No one was injured and suspect was known.

A third suspect surrendered to AGU members after his alleged involvement in a shooting incident which took place on Tuesday, 26 November 2019, in Deverill Road in Helenvale. It is alleged that at about 15:50, a 52-year-old man was standing in Baatjies Street when the suspects approached him. The complainant ran into Deverill Road when shots were fired at him. He sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. A 22-year-old suspect was arrested immediately after the incident.  The 21-year-old suspect handed himself over to police on 26 November 2019. He was detained on a charge of attempted murder.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga has applauded the team for their arrests and reiterated that ‘ it is clear from these arrests that we are serious on turning the tide against crime this festive period. We will be making every effort in tracing and apprehending those criminals who are wanted on our cases.  We are coming after you and it is only a matter of time before we hunt you down.’