GQEBERHA – Three suspects, aged between 18 and 32, are expected to appear before the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 2 July, on charges of attempted murder following their arrest in Helenvale, Gqeberha.

According to Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the suspects were arrested on 30 June by a multidisciplinary law enforcement team comprising the Gqeberha Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), Gelvandale SAPS Visible Policing, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), and Gqeberha K9.

“The arrests stem from an incident that occurred during the early hours of 30 June at approximately 00:05,” he said. “Members attached to Gelvandale SAPS Visible Policing were conducting routine crime prevention patrols in Elk Street, Helenvale, when they were allegedly ambushed by armed suspects who opened fire on them without provocation.”

Mhlakuvana added that during the attack, one police officer sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and shoulder. “The injured member was immediately transported to a medical facility, where he received urgent medical treatment.”

Following the incident, he stated that an intensive investigation involving the Hawks and other specialised law enforcement units was launched. “The coordinated operation yielded positive results when, at approximately 13:27 on the same day, police arrested three suspects believed to have been directly involved in the attack.”

Mhlakuvana also said that the three accused are scheduled to appear before the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 2 July, where they are expected to face charges of attempted murder.

“Investigations into the matter are continuing,” he concluded.

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