PORT ELIZABETH - GUNSHOTS LEAD OFF-DUTY CONSTABLE TO THE ARREST OF 2 ARMED SUSPECTS

It is alleged that the Constable (37) had reported off duty and was visiting friends in Shauderville when at about 22:00, while having supper, shots were heard nearby. The police officer got into his private vehicle and headed in the direction where the shots were coming from. While in Glendenning Street, a male appeared suddenly in front of his vehicle and fired at him. The member immediately reversed and summoned for backup. SAPS Gelvandale, Flying Squad, Public Order Policing and the Anti-Gang Unit members immediately responded and were in the vicinity within minutes.

A 25-year-old suspect was apprehended in the yard of Glendenning Flats by the Anti-Gang Unit as they chased after him. The suspect fired shots at the police. A shot was fired by police and the suspect was successfully handcuffed. A 9mm pistol was confiscated. The firearm was reported stolen in the Mount Road area in July 2019. The suspect was detained for attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. No injuries were sustained.

Meanwhile, SAPS Gelvandale members approached on foot through Highfield road. The second suspect (26) ran towards their direction and was arrested in Lawler Street. A .45 Glock pistol was found in his possession. The firearm was stolen in Swartkops in November 2018. He was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 31 January 2020.

It is further alleged that earlier in the same evening, at about 19:00, two rival gangs were shooting at each other in Glendenning Street. A 26-year-old from one of the gangs was shot in his lower back. A case of attempted murder is under investigation.

The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) will be exploring whether there are links between both incidents.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga commended the brave actions of the member who sacrificed his time to chase after alleged gangsters. ‘This is indeed a selfless and dedicated act by the member who, when in the face of danger, used his intuition and summoned for backup instead of approaching these cold blooded and callous criminals. The speedy response from his colleagues indicates that the police is serious on turning the tide on criminals,’ added Lt Gen Ntshinga

via - SAPS