GQEBERHA – Swift response from the Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combatting Unit (CCU) members to a complaint of a business robbery at a tavern in Joe Slovo resulted in the recovery of a 9mm pistol with ammunition as well as other stolen property which included a stolen grey Toyota Corolla.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, 3 January 2023 at approximately 20:45 the owner of a tavern in Vusumzi Street in Joe Slovo was busy inside the tavern when one suspect entered and threatened the complainant. Approximately five other suspects, all armed also entered the tavern. Patrons inside the tavern were robbed of their cellphones. They all left the tavern with the cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register.

It is further alleged that the CCU members acted on the information of a robbery in progress at the tavern and at approximately 21:30 as the members arrived, they were confronted by the suspects as they were exiting. During the confrontation, two suspects were fatally wounded while another four suspects managed to escape. A 9mm pistol (serial number filed off), six rounds of ammunition, a signal jammer, CCTV camera, the cellphone of the complainant and a grey Toyota Corolla which was reported stolen in November 2022 in Motherwell were recovered.

Police are investigating cases of business robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and an inquest. Police are searching for the other suspects and are appealing to anyone who can assist them in the investigation or may know the whereabouts of the suspects to contact, SAPS Kwadwesi, on 082 442 0964. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service