The SAPS Emergency Services (PES) performing duties across Nelson Mandela Bay metro contribute enormously in the recovery of stolen/hijacked vehicles and drugs as well as making sure that suspects are arrested.
On Friday, 23 July 2021, K9 members recovered two hijacked/stolen vehicles, seized two other vehicles in a short space of time and arrested a suspect in possession of stolen property.
A hijacked VW Polo was recovered within minutes after it was stolen in Kwanobuhle last night, 23 July 2021. It is alleged that at about 21:13, the victim (age unknown at this stage) stopped at a spaza shop in Qhoqho Street when he was approached by three unknown males. One male pulled out a firearm and without saying anything, shot the driver in his stomach. The victim and his passenger were forced out of the vehicle and the suspects drove off in the vehicle.
Immediately the registration number of the vehicle was circulated and Gqeberha K9 unit members spotted the vehicle at about 21:30 in Kwazakele after the tracking system was activated. The vehicle was found abandoned and impounded for further investigation. The victim was admitted at hospital for treatment.
A case of vehicle hijacking and attempted murder is under investigation.
K9 members also recovered another vehicle taken in a business robbery that took place at about 07:45 on Friday morning, 23 July 2021. It is alleged that as the complainant was opening the warehouse in Crichton Street in Sidwell, he noticed an unknown male at the gate. On questioning him, the suspect indicated that he was waiting for the business to open. As the complainant went back to the shop, he was pushed from behind and then pointed with a firearm. As he struggled with the suspect, he was hit on his head. Cash, a cellphone and the complainant’s firearm was taken. Four suspects drove off in the company’s vehicle, a white Isuzu bakkie.
K9 members immediately patrolled New Brighton in search of the vehicle. The vehicle was found abandoned at about 08:07 in Dubula Street in New Brighton.
Also on Friday, 23 July 2021 at about 13:40, K9 members received information about a suspicious white VW Golf driving around in the Walmer area. The members immediately responded and the vehicle was seen in Victoria Drive. As the vehicle turned into the Walmer Country Club, they were pulled over however all four occupants got off and ran into nearby bushes. Three rounds of ammunition was found inside the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
The suspects managed to flee however police have opened an enquiry docket.
In another unrelated incident, on Friday, 23 July 2021 K9 members also arrested a 37-year- old suspect who was found in possession of stolen property taken out of a vehicle in Bluewater Bay. It is alleged that at about 11:45 while members were patrolling in central they noticed a blue Toyota Corolla that matched the description of a vehicle that was involved in a theft out of motor vehicle at the beach in Bluewater Bay. Members stopped and interviewed the driver of the vehicle. On further inspection of the vehicle, a jacket belonging to the complainant was found in the back seat of the vehicle. The complainant’s name was found written on the label in the jacket.
The suspect was detained on a charge of possession of stolen property. Additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds. The Toyota Corolla was also impounded for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Monday, 26 July 2021.
Police are appealing to the communities with any information relating to the suspects in any of these cases, to contact the nearest police station alternatively SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information is strictly confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
Acting NMB District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso commended the K9 unit for their unyielding commitment in making sure that stolen vehicles /property are immediately taken out of the hands of criminals and that suspects are arrested. ‘The Police Emergency Service (PES) plays an integral part in clamping down on criminals within the district. These successes indicate that our members are passionate, dedicated and serious in ridding society of criminals,’ added Brig Kupiso.