GQEBERHA - MAN SHOT IN THE HEAD WHILE CHASING AFTER CAPE ROAD FILLING STATION ROBBERY SUSPECTS

In a dramatic twist of events, an innocent civilian lost his life, two armed robbery victims were shot, three alleged suspects arrested and two firearms recovered last night in Newton Park.

The drama unfolded at about 16:20 when the complainant (33) and his two passengers parked their truck at a garage in Cape Road to fill diesel. 

Two unknown males approached from the passenger side and attempted to open the door and when they failed, they broke the door while firing shots at the window. 

Cash and a cellphone was taken. 

Both passengers sustained gunshot wounds.

It is further alleged that four suspects then ran off in different directions. 

An innocent citizen, Mr Pierre Potgieter (39) chased after the suspects in his bakkie. 

At the corners of Frank and 6th Avenue, one suspect fired a shot at Potgieter hitting him in the head. At about 01:40 this morning, Mr Potgieter succumbed to his injuries in hospital. 

With the assistance of the community, police found a 38-year-old suspect in Disa Road. 

The suspect was apprehended by a member of the community and handed over to police. 

A .357 magnum pistol was recovered in Newton Street.  

SAPS Mount Road Crime Prevention members immediately infiltrated the area in search of the other suspects. They received information that another suspect jumped into a white VW Polo. The VW Polo was stopped in Mill Park and members learnt that the suspect got out near the hospital in Cape Road. A description of the alleged suspect was given and he was spotted running into the hospital premises. The Crime Prevention Unit members chased after him on foot and succeeded in arresting the 37-year-old male. A revolver was found in his possession. The driver (28) of the VW Polo, was also arrested and the vehicle impounded.

Cases of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder (x 2), illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition is being investigated against the 38-year-old suspect (Disa Road). A case of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition was opened against the 37-year-old suspect (arrested in hospital parking). Cases of armed robbery, murder and attempted murder x 2 is being investigated against the driver of the VW Polo. Police will be probing the possible involvement of the 37-year-old suspect, found at the hospital parking, to the other crimes.

SAPS