GQEBERHA - When Gqeberha K9 members are on duty, criminals have little or no chance of carrying out their activities especially in hotspot areas where policing is maximised.

On Sunday 26 February 2023 at approximately 11:00 the members were busy with patrols in the Swartkops area when they noticed a male acting suspicious when he spotted the police vehicle. The members stopped and on searching him, they found 5 packets of tik. The 28-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of drugs.

On the same day, at approximately 14:15, in Mbeki Road, Govan Mbeki, it is alleged that the complainant, an e-hailing driver responded to a call to pick up a client. On arrival at the given address, one suspect got into the passenger side while another suspect got into the back of the vehicle, a silver Hyundai i10. The suspect in the front pulled out a knife and demanded money. They searched the vehicle and took 2 cellphones and R50 in cash. The complainant managed to get out of the vehicle where after the suspect seated at the back got into the driver side and drove off with the vehicle.

Shortly after the hijacking, Gqeberha K9 received information and immediately responded. At approximately 14:55, the vehicle was spotted in Mati Road. When police stopped the vehicle, the four occupants jumped out and ran away. The K9 members chased after the suspects and all four suspects aged between 23 and 27 were apprehended. The suspects were detained on charges of carjacking. They also confiscated cash, five cellphones, sunglasses, knife and a tazor.

During the operation the members also issued 15 fines in terms of the Road Traffic Act, for driving motor vehicle without a valid drivers’ license in Ikamvelihle policing area.

The arrested suspects will appear in the magistrate court during the week.

Source: South African Police Service