GQEBERHA – After receiving information about the possible whereabouts of alleged criminals involved in serious and violent crimes, SAPS New Brighton Station Commander Colonel Vuyisiwe Tembani wasted no time in operationalising the intelligence and set out with a team to track down these criminals last night, 10 September 2021.
Personally spearheading the disruptive operation, Colonel Tembani with the assistance of the Anti-Gang Unit went in search of alleged murder suspects who went on a rampage on Thursday night killing five people in the area.
At about 21:45, as the team tactically approached alleged gang members in Mendi Street and on seeing the police, they scattered in different directions. One suspect aged 35 was found seated in a hijacked vehicle. As soon as he saw the police members, he got out and threw a 9mm pistol under the vehicle. He was apprehended and the firearm with 20 rounds of ammunition was recovered. The vehicle was reported stolen in Ikamvelihle in August 2021. The registration plates were changed and the chassis reported stolen. As AGU members chased after the other suspects on foot, a second suspect, aged 29-years-old was arrested in Mtimka Street, also in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The 35-year-old suspect was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and vehicle hijacking while the 29-year-old was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. Investigators are probing possible links to the recent murders that took place in the area.
The bakkie was impounded for further investigation. Both firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Also on Friday afternoon, 10 September 2021 at about 16:30, a 36-year-old woman was fatally shot and killed at a house in Singapi Street in New Brighton as she was busy with family members in preparation for a funeral. An unknown male entered the yard and fired several shots at Ntombizanele Ndevulana. She died at the scene. Motive for her murder is under investigation.
Acting Mount Road District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso commended Col Tembani and her team for their relentless endeavours and immediate action in tracing and arresting these violent criminals. ‘These operations will continue until those responsible for these heinous murders are arrested and behind bars. The community plays a major role in ensuring that their areas are safe from criminals. They are the eyes and ears of the police and collaboration such as this surely proves that if we work together we can overcome our challenges and leave no space for criminals to operate,’’ added Brig Kupiso.
Source: South African Police Service