Recent police efforts in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro have resulted in significant progress against serious crimes, with arrests made on April 7 and 8, involving murder, attempted murder, house robbery, mob justice, and possession of hijacked motor vehicles. Suspects in these incidents, including those linked to the death of Sipho Dyantjies and a house robbery in Kwazakele, were apprehended.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, in the first incident, on Sunday April 7 at approximately 14:00, SAPS Kabega Park responded to a complaint of murder at a small holding in Cape Road in St Albans.
She said that it was further alleged that Sipho Dyantjies (43) was stealing copper cables from the property and was later found in the bushes with a bag containing the stolen copper cables. He was assaulted and left in his room on the same property.
“Dyantjies had passed away due to his injuries,” she added.
Three suspects were subsequently arrested and charged for murder.
The suspects aged between 22 and 42 years old appeared in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Wednesday, April 10 and were each released on R1500 bail.
Janse Van Rensburg further added that in in another incident on Monday, April 8, at approximately 15:15 on Mabopa Street, in Kwazakele, the complainant was inside his car when he was confronted by approximately five suspects.
She said that while he was being taken to the back of the house, a second victim was accosted.
“They were both forced into a flat and assaulted.
“The suspects demanded firearms and during a scuffle, one victim was shot in the left thigh, then the suspects then fled in the complainant’s vehicle, an Opel Corsa.”
On Tuesday, April 9 at approximately 02:00, SAPS Kwazakele members spotted the vehicle in Joe Slovo and gave chase.
“Three suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled.
“One suspect was arrested and another apprehended as the investigation unfolded,” said Janse Van Rensburg.
“Both the suspects were detained on charges of house robbery, attempted murder and possession of hijacked motor vehicle,” Janse Van Rensburg concluded.
The suspects aged 21 and 22 years old appeared in the New Brighton magistrate court on Thursday 11/04 and the case was remanded until Monday, April 18.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Ronald Koll welcomed the arrests and sends out a stern warning to the community about taking the law into their own hands. “Acts of vigilantism is criminal and undermines the legal system. We appeal to the public to report to police to handle any matters including any concerns or suspicious activities,” Koll said.
