Excellent work executed by Gqeberha Flying Squad members in July 2016 resulted in the conviction and sentencing of an armed robber in the Gqeberha Regional court yesterday afternoon, 22 February 2022.
On Friday, 22 July 2016, at 21:00, Gqeberha Flying Squad members were patrolling in Govan Mbeki Street when they responded to a complaint of an armed robbery in the vicinity. Within seconds, the members stood off and after gathering information of the suspects and their vehicle (a white minibus), they sped off towards the exit routes. While on the N2 highway in the direction of Motherwell, the vehicle was spotted. Several attempts were made to pull the vehicle off but to no avail. In Wells Estate, the suspects started firing at the police. Members returned fire and two suspects were shot, with one fatality.
It was later discovered that the owner of the taxi was tied up on the back seat. The owner alleged that he was hijacked. Accused Toriso Yenge (35) was arrested and treated for bullet wounds while the other suspect died in the incident.
Yenge remained in custody until the finalisation of the case on 22 February 2022. He was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment on the following charges:
Robbery Aggravated – 20 years
Possession of Firearm – 8 years
Possession of Ammunition – 2 years
Attempted Murder – 10 years
Attempted Murder – 10 years
Both the attempted murder sentencing will run concurrently with the robbery aggravated, possession of firearm, and possession of ammunition sentences. Effectively, the accused will serve 30 years in prison.
Acting Nelson Mandela District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso commended the excellent work of the Flying Squad members. ‘Having realised the risk and danger while pursuing the armed suspects, the members remained committed to the cause of protecting lives. It’s a miracle that the members emerged unscathed as the police vehicle was riddled with bullets by the suspects. Police officers such as these brave men in blue are the heartbeat of the SAPS who never hesitate to place their own lives on the line while serving their communities. Through their relentless pursuit of the suspects, the accused is now removed from society and justice has been served,’ commented Brig Kupiso.
