PORT ELIZABETH - SHOPPING MALL ROBBERS THWARTED AFTER 1 SHOT IN THE NECK AND THE OTHER CAUGHT HIDING IN THE TOILETS

Port Elizabeth Flying Squad’s quick response resulted in the speedy arrest of two attempted robbery suspects at a shopping mall in the Kabega Park area, early this morning.

It is alleged that on Monday, 17 February 2020 at approximately 03:45, Flying Squad members responded to a complaint of a business robbery in progress at the shopping mall.

As the members arrived at one of the entrances, they noticed a Nissan 1400 bakkie with no number plates parked on the road in front of the entrance.

As the members approached the vehicle, the driver attempted to ram into the police vehicle. The members swerved and fired shots at the vehicle, forcing it to stop. The driver (27) sustained a gunshot wound in the neck.

At the same time, the members noticed movement at the emergency entrance of the mall. Back up was requested (SAPS Kabega Park and K9 responded). The members tactically approached the emergency entrance as the suspect ran back into the mall.

PE K9 Unit located the suspect hiding in one of the toilets. ‘Max’ the police dog, apprehended him. Both suspects, aged 27 and 32 years were taken to hospital for treatment.

Kabega Park detectives are investigating a case of attempted business robbery. An additional charge of possession of suspected stolen vehicle will be added to the 27-year-old suspect. The Nissan Bakkie was stolen during December 2019 in Kwadwesi area. The detectives will also look into the possibility that the suspects could be linked to other robberies in the Port Elizabeth area.

Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile commended the swift reaction and team work from all members including the mall security personnel. “The strategic manner in which these members approached the incident, portrayed professionalism and tact. Their alertness to the situation at the time resulted in the arrest of the other suspect hiding in the toilet. We also commend the mall security for immediately alerting the SAPS as soon as they became aware of suspicious activity,” added Maj Gen Patekile.

via - SAPS