Nelson Mandela Bay SAPS District Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Vuyisile Ncata, has lashed out against criminals that have the audacity to shoot at police that are doing their jobs.
This follows a shooting spree in Beaton Street, Gelvandale last night, January 24, where two women sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and wrist respectively. The body of 30-year-old Ashraf Nordien was also found dead in a yard with multiple gunshot wounds.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that whilst police were still busy at the scene, shots could be heard in the adjacent Tobias
Street. Two men sustained a gunshot wound to the hip each.
“It is further alleged that a white Chevrolet Optra was involved in the
shootings. While police were searching for the vehicle, they spotted the
vehicle in Borchards Road where there was a shootout between police and the
suspects,” she said.
“When the vehicle stopped in Numan Road, three suspects got
out and ran away. Two suspects were found in the car, one with a gunshot wound
to his leg while the other sustained multiple stab wounds. Three firearms
were also recovered,” she added.
The suspects were taken to hospital for treatment.
The following charges are being investigated against the alleged
gang suspects: murder, six counts of attempted murder, and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.
Ncata has warned that the police will not be
deterred by criminals that attack police officers. “An attack on a police
officer undermines the integrity of the state and we will be working around
the clock to secure the arrest of the outstanding suspects. The SAPS’s vision
is to prevent anything that may threaten the safety and security of any
community, therefore, we are not the enemy. We urge the communities to
work with us to rid their areas of illegal firearms, drugs and gang-related
crime. In the last ten days, a total of 24 firearms, 342 rounds of
ammunition and eight replica firearms were recovered within the metro. This
emanates from our concerted efforts and proactive approach towards the
perpetrators of crime,” he explained.
