GQEBERHA – Nine suspects have been arrested in three separate cases during police operations across the Gqeberha District, resulting in the recovery of a hijacked vehicle, suspected stolen cellphones, a firearm and ammunition.

On Monday, 26 October 2026, police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said that three men were arrested in Korsten for possession of suspected stolen property after Gqeberha Flying Squad members recovered a blue Volkswagen Polo taken during a house robbery in KwaNoxolo, Bethelsdorp.

“At about 15:00, Flying Squad members followed up on information about the vehicle and traced it to Soweto-on-Sea,” she said. “The complainants provided descriptions of the suspects and the eight cellphones taken during the robbery.”

Janse van Rensburg added that the information was shared with the Gelvandale Crime Prevention Unit (CPU), which was asked to look out for the suspects in Korsten.

“CPU members later located a man in possession of a grey iPhone matching the description of one of the stolen phones,” she said.

She also confirmed that while patrolling Durban Road in Korsten, Flying Squad members spotted three men matching the descriptions provided by the complainants.

“The men ran when they saw police, but members pursued and apprehended them,” she said. “Five cellphones matching the complainants’ descriptions were found in their possession, and they could not provide proof of ownership or explain their possession of the phones.”

She added that in a separate operation, members of the Public Order Police (POP) arrested a man (34) at Sauls Road, Gelvandale, on Tuesday, 27 October.

“At about 23:00, members followed up on information about an illegal firearm at the address,” she said. “After the occupant refused to open the door, members forced entry and searched the premises.”

Janse van Rensburg mentioned that a silver Taurus firearm, with its serial number filed off, was found inside a couch, along with a magazine and 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition. “The suspect, a foreign national, was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.”

She added that on Tuesday, 27 October, three men were arrested following a hijacking, kidnapping and assault in Motherwell.

“At about 16:20, the Motherwell Cluster Trio Task Team, working with Ikamvelihle SAPS CPU members, followed up on information about a grey Hyundai i10 and armed men in Ingwe Street, Motherwell NU 1,” she said.

“While members were in the area, a blue Toyota Yaris hatchback drove past at speed and stopped nearby, where four men jumped out and ran.”

The police members pursued them and arrested three; the fourth escaped. “When members returned to the vehicle, they found a victim in the boot.”

Janse van Rensburg explained that the victim told police that he had gone to collect money from an address in Ingwe Street.

“As he was leaving the yard, he was attacked and robbed, assaulted with firearms and forced into the boot of his vehicle,” she said. “Two of the arrested suspects were found in possession of replica firearms, and the victim’s cash was also recovered.”

She further explained that cases of hijacking, kidnapping and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm were opened at Ikamvelihle SAPS.

“Investigations are continuing, including inquiries into possible links to other cases in Motherwell and surrounding areas,” she confirmed.

The Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended the members involved for their swift response, effective coordination and commitment to removing suspected stolen property, illegal firearms and dangerous suspects from the streets.

“Police will continue to work with communities and intensify operations to prevent and investigate crime across the district,” Ngalo concluded.

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