Gqeberha police arrested two suspects on charges of hijacking, kidnapping, and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition following a high-speed chase in New Brighton. The arrests came after a routine patrol escalated into a confrontation, allegedly leading to the discovery of a hijacked victim hidden in the suspects’ vehicle on Saturday evening, October 12.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, during the operation, the police were busy with patrols in the Mahambahlala area when, at about 23:20, they noticed a white VW Polo with five occupants inside driving around the area, in and out of side streets.
She reported, “It is said that on Seyisi Street, New Brighton, members wanted to stop and search the vehicle, but as soon as the vehicle noticed the SAPS vehicle, it sped off, and a high-speed chase ensued.”
She added, “The driver approached the traffic circle on Mavuso Street, M17, and Seyisi Street, and the driver lost control, colliding into the walls of the traffic circle. Three suspects alighted from the wreckage unharmed and started to fire shots at the members, and two managed to flee.”
She explained that the members apprehended one suspect with a firearm in his possession. The driver was stuck inside the vehicle after the collision and was also arrested.
“While members were busy on the scene, they heard a noise coming from the boot of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, an unknown man crawled his way from the boot through the back seats and informed the members that he was hijacked.”
“They will appear in the New Brighton magistrate’s court during the week,” she concluded.
