Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga applauded the arrest of five suspected armed robbers during two high speed chases in the Eastern Cape yesterday.
“The swift response by the teams is commendable in preventing crime and criminal activities from taking place. I urge our members to be mindful of their safety at all times. Your safety is of utmost importance”, she said.
At approximately 11:15 yesterday information was received of a hijacked vehicle that was travelling between Dutywa and Willowvale.
Mbhashe Law enforcement officers responded and spotted the vehicle, a black Golf, which was travelling at a high speed. They chased the vehicle that was travelling towards Ngcobo. The vehicle stopped and the suspects fled on foot. The suspects then stated to fire shots at the law enforcement officers who returned fire and during the crossfire one suspect was fatally wounded. Three suspects were arrested and a fifth fled in a white golf towards East London.
At the scene, two firearms, a 9mm pistol and a rifle with several rounds of ammunition were seized.
The white golf which picked up the suspect was travelling on the N2 towards East London was being followed by members of crime intelligence who requested reinforcements as the suspects noticed that they were being followed and started to increase their speed.
K9 Unit members who were on alert spotted the speeding white GTI Golf, near the Brakfontein turn-off on the N2. They chased the vehicle and with the assistance of other units, the chase ended and two suspects were arrested.
The suspects face several charges including attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. An inquest docket has also been opened for investigation.
