CALA – SAPS members from the Elliot K9 Unit and Barkly East Mounted Unit deployed in the KatKop area received positive information while they were busy with crime prevention duties.

It is alleged that on 13 September 2022 at about 10:00, the above mentioned members proceed to Cala area after they have received information from Queenstown K9 Unit requesting a look out for a vehicle that was allegedly used by two suspects involved in an armed robbery at Smithfield (Free State) in the early hours of the morning.

A full description of the vehicle was given to the members and information indicated that the vehicle left Lady Frere, towards the direction to Cala.

The members continued with patrols around Cala and kept close observation until the vehicle was spotted.

Upon noticing the police, the suspects sped off taking a gravel road leading to Indwe with police pursuing them. The suspects, in an attempt to evade arrest, stopped, alighted from their vehicle and ran into the nearby bushes.

Members pursued the suspects on foot into the bushes where Sergeant Nduku with his patrol dog, Alpha spotted one suspect hiding behind a big rock.

The suspect then surrendered himself before Alpha could tackle and Sergeant Nduku searched him and found a firearm on his waist.

A firearm with 5 live rounds of ammunition and one empty cartridge were confiscated.

The 36-year-old suspect was arrested and the firearm and ammunition together with the vehicle, a grey Hyundai Accent, were recovered.

A few other items found from the vehicle included the suspects drivers licence, gloves, bank cards.

The case is still under investigation.

The Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo commended the members for maintaining good working relations across Districts and Provinces and their vigilance that made the success possible.

Source: South African Police Service