Brilliant partnership between SAPS Mount Road, Gqeberha K9 and Flying Squad members led to the arrest of three suspects and the confiscation of two firearms and ammunition after a high speed chase this afternoon, 21 September 2021.
The drama unfolded at about 15:00, when SAPS Mount Road responded to a complaint of a suspicious silver Nissan Micra with three occupants in Crawford Street in North End. On spotting the police, the vehicle sped off towards the M4 freeway. Gqeberha K9 unit provided backup and the chase ensued. In Burman Road, Deal Party, police noticed one of the occupants throw a jacket and an unknown object out of the vehicle. When the K9 members stopped to investigate, they recovered a R5 rifle with ammunition (serial number filed off) and a 9mm pistol. SAPS Mount Road members forced the suspect vehicle into a cul-de-sac in Burman Road however the vehicle turned around and sped back down Burman Road towards the N2 freeway into oncoming traffic. Gqeberha Flying Squad members picked up the chase and fired shots at the vehicle’s tyres, forcing the vehicle to stop. Three suspects aged between 20 and 28 years old were arrested.
The suspects are detained on charges of illegal possession of firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, illegal possession of ammunition as well as reckless and negligent driving. They are expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court during the week.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso commended the team for their sterling efforts and excellent synergy in effecting the arrests and recovering the firearms. ‘The effective collaboration between station operational members and their colleagues in the specialised units is crucial in the speedy apprehension of suspects. The arrests and recovery is resultant of the team’s quick response. The proliferation of firearms remains an operational priority for the police hence we will do everything in our power to reduce the circulation of illegal firearms,’ added Brig Kupiso.
Source: South African Police Service