EASTERN CAPE | ADDO | STATION COMMANDER FIERCELY HUNTS DOWN 5 ARMED ROBBERS FOLLOWING BUSINESS ROBBERY

After attending a memorial service in his community on Wednesday, 26 April 2023 and while driving home, SAPS Addo Station Commander narrowly escaped death after coming face to face with an alleged robbery suspect who pointed a firearm at him as he approached a crossing in Addo.

It is alleged that at about 18:20, the Station Commander was stopped by a group of children informing him of a robbery taking place at a supermarket. 

While still obtaining information, one suspect approached his vehicle, pointed him with a firearm and ordered him to get out however the police officer sped off with shots being fired after him. 

He immediately went to another police officer’s house and fetched him and together they searched for the suspects’ vehicle, a silver Chev Captiva.

The vehicle was spotted speeding out of the Nomathamsanqa location where a high speed chase ensued. The five suspects abandoned the vehicle and ran into the fruit orchards and disappeared.

Two firearms were found in the vehicle. 

Both firearms were reported stolen in Kabega Park (March 2023) and Addo (February 2023) areas respectively. 

The Chev Captiva was also hijacked in the Ikamvelihle area in March 2023. 

The property taken in the business robbery (cigarettes, airtime vouchers and cash) were found in the vehicle.

Both firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Police are investigating cases of business robbery and attempted murder.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene stated that “Despite coming under attack, the Station Commander still pursued the suspects after being assisted by a fellow officer. As police officers, our calling is to serve and protect our communities as mandated by the Constitution. I also urge our men and women in blue to make safety their responsibility and to adhere to the operational safety guidelines on or off duty. The actions of the Station Commander and his colleague is commendable.”

SAPS