Two men were arrested on Thursday evening after a shootout with Metro Police in Zwide.
According to Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s Sithembiso Soyaya, at about 20:30, the two were part of a group of four suspects involved in a shootout with four Metro Police officers.
Reporting on the incident, Soyaya said, “The Metro Police members were patrolling on M17 Addo Road when they were stopped by two males on foot next to a stationary truck, reporting that they were just robbed at gunpoint by four suspects driving a white Toyota Tazz hatchback.”
“Metro Police members gave chase in the direction of the suspects.”
“The described vehicle was chased towards Zwide and stopped at Vabaza Street between Mabopha and Tshiki Street.”
“Two suspects started to shoot towards the members’ vehicles, and one shot hit the left front windscreen of one of the vehicles,” he added.
Metro Police Acting Commissioner Advocate Andrew Moses explained that four suspects exited the stationary vehicle and continued shooting at the members.
“Our members returned fire, wounded two suspects, and apprehended them.”
“Two other suspects fled with firearms, and the wounded suspects were taken to Dora Nginza Hospital with leg injuries.”
“The arrested suspects are aged 26 and 35 years,” Moses added.
Commenting on the incident, Mayoral Committee member Cllr Luyanda Lawu said, “The stolen items were recovered in the possession of the suspects. We applaud the actions of our members; their swift response and bravery under fire are a testimony to serving the community with pride.”
“We want to make it clear that we will not hesitate to defend ourselves against an unlawful attack from any suspect. We want to appeal to the communities to provide information regarding the suspects who fled with firearms so that we can also bring them to justice.”
“We will leave no stone unturned to enforce law and order in Nelson Mandela Bay,” added Lawu.
The arrested suspects are facing charges of attempted murder and armed robbery and will be detained at KwaZakhele Police Station.
