Eight suspects arrested, firearm and stolen property recovered

Immediate activation of information led to the arrests of an eight (8) suspects, the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, a replica firearm as well as suspected stolen property taken during a hijacking in Motherwell yesterday afternoon, 19 April 2023.

It is alleged that at about 09:20 on the mentioned date, the driver of a white Hyundai H100 LDV was hijacked while travelling on the N2. The driver was forced to stop after he was pointed with a firearm by a passenger of a silver Chev vehicle. The hijacked vehicle was driven to Sidwell where the driver was forced into another vehicle and taken to Addo Road. After a while, the vehicle was returned to him without its contents.

At about 12:50, the same day, SAPS Gqeberha Flying Squad members received and followed up on information of suspected stolen goods being off loaded at a house in Msintsana Road in NU 7 in Motherwell. Immediately on arrival, police were met with a group of approximately 20 suspects who started to fire shots at the members. Police retaliated by firing back. As the suspects scattered, the Flying Squad members succeeded in arresting eight suspects on the premises. One suspect sustained gunshot wounds in the upper arm and upper leg.

Dairy products and energy drinks that were taken during the hijacking were recovered at the premises. A firearm with ammunition, a replica firearm, cellphones and a medical bag were also seized. It was later confirmed that the medical bag was stolen out of a vehicle in Humewood in November 2022.

The eight suspects were detained on charges of attempted murder, possession of stolen property, possession of unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Motherwell magistrate court soon.