The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Andre Swart applauded the team efforts displayed by the various clusters for the excellent manner in which they successfully executed and effected the arrest of eight (8) suspects who allegedly committed an armed robbery in King Williamstown yesterday afternoon, 16 January 2019.
He issued a warning to perpetrators of crime, “the SAPS in the Eastern Cape are committed to ridding criminals off our streets and we will continue in our pursuit towards our mission to create a safe and secure environment for the community that we serve.”
The combined efforts by members of Alice, Grahamstown, King Williamstown, East London and Port Alfred Clusters last night led to the arrest of eight (8) suspects who were allegedly involved in an armed robbery at a retail outlet in King Williamstown.
It is suspected that the suspects were on their way to Peddie. All the neighbouring clusters were on alert and blocked off entry and exit routes. Members from Grahamstown Crime intelligence were alerted that the vehicle, a silver Opel Corsa, matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle, was travelling on the N2. They spotted the vehicle and with the assistance of Alice Visible Policing Unit and Crime intelligence the vehicle was stopped outside Peddie.
A total of three (3) suspects were arrested and several cellphones suspected to have been taken from the earlier robbery were recovered in the vehicle.
A second vehicle, a white Chev Aveo, also allegedly involved in the crime, was later stopped outside Grahamstown by the Grahamstown Highway Patrol, K9 and Joza Vispol. A further five (5) suspects were arrested. Four firearms and several more cellphones have been recovered.
Forensic experts worked through the night.
The suspects face several charges including armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.