EASTERN CAPE - BULLETS FLY AS BRAVE OFF-DUTY SARGEANT TAKES ON 3 ARMED ROBBERS IN GUNFIGHT

An off-duty police Sergeant as well as three alleged business robbers were shot and wounded on Sunday evening, 04 July 2021, in Addo. 

On Sunday, 04 July 2021 at about 19:00, it is alleged that at least three men wearing face masks, two armed with firearms stormed into a shop in Duka Street, Nomathansanqa area, Addo.  

The two armed with firearms held owner, assistants and customers at gunpoint, while a third suspect stole cellphones and cash from a cash register. 

An off-duty police Sergeant that was not far away from the shop, heard the commotion and tactically approached the scene.  

As the three men were fleeing the scene, a shoot-out ensued between a police official and the suspects.  

One of the suspects (28) was wounded and arrested at the scene.  

Police also confiscated a 9mm pistol with a live ammunition for further investigation.

On Monday morning, 5 July 2021, police received a call from Kirkwood Hospital after two men arrived with gunshot wounds.  

The two men aged 22 and 24 were positively linked to a business robbery in Addo, and were both arrested.  

The investigation led to the arrest of the fourth suspect on Tuesday, 6 July 2021 at his workplace in Addo.  

All four suspects aged between 22 and 28, from Mqanduli are due to appear in the Addo Magistrate’s Court on charges of business robbery.  

There is a possibility of additional charges at the later stage of the investigation.

On behalf of the Acting District Commissioner, Colonel Simon Swarts commended the off-duty Sergeant from the Port Elizabeth Public Order Policing Unit (POPS) for his heroic action.  “The thorough investigation that followed ensured that the three outstanding suspects were arrested,” added Col Swarts.

SAPS