Swift police action saves lives and leads to arrest of seven suspects, firearms seized

The SAPS management has commended the swift move by police in apprehending seven suspects and the seizure of firearms and ammunition. Management further praised the members for their bravery and patriotism averted major bloodshed and saving the lives of about 18 people. This follows after police were alerted to a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday morning, 27 July 2022 at about 11:00 at Peddie Taxi Rank.

According to the report, the Boarder Alliance Taxi association held an executive meeting at the taxi rank when three male suspects arrived carrying firearms and started firing shots. It is alleged that members in the meeting returned fire and during the exchange of gunshots, one of the assailants was injured. Upon receiving the information, members swiftly proceeded to the scene, where upon arrival, the suspects were pursued and subsequently arrested near the truck-in at Gqeberha.

One of the suspects, who was reportedly injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention his two accomplices were arrested. During the investigation, the detectives were informed about the remaining suspects’ hideout at Kenton On Sea.

The information was operationalized leading to the arrest of the four remaining suspects aged between 28 and 44 at various residences at Ekuphumleni and Ndokwenza Townships and Kenton On Sea respectively. Three firearms and live ammunition were confiscated. All four suspects were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, while their three accomplices, who were arrested in the Motherwell area, were charged with attempted murder cases. They appeared in the Alexandria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 29 July 2022 and both cases were postponed to 03 and 04 August 2022 for further investigation and a formal bail application. The total number of arrested suspects is seven.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene expressed gratitude to SAPS members who saved many lives by arresting and confiscating the deadly guns and ammunition from the suspects.