EASTERN CAPE – A 19-year-old suspect has been arrested and two firearms recovered following a church robbery and a shootout with police in New Brighton, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Saturday night.

On Saturday, 19 September at approximately 22:00, members of the Gqeberha Flying Squad responded to information regarding suspects allegedly armed with firearms and travelling in a maroon Isuzu bakkie. The members proceeded to Mama Street in New Brighton where they spotted the vehicle with approximately four occupants.

Shootout at Avenue B and Mama Street

As the police approached the vehicle, the suspects allegedly stopped, jumped out and opened fire on the police before fleeing in different directions.

At the intersection of Avenue B and Mama Street, a SAPS member returned fire. One suspect was apprehended and a firearm was recovered after he allegedly dropped it while attempting to flee.

A second firearm was recovered from the backyard of a nearby house where another suspect had allegedly fled. No SAPS members were injured.

Robbery linked to local church

“Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a robbery at a local church in Stofile Street, New Brighton. It is alleged that church personnel preparing for the Sunday service were robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones, after which the suspects fled in the Isuzu bakkie,” SAPS Eastern Cape said in a statement.

Police recovered a black 9mm Taurus firearm with its serial number filed off, a magazine and two live 9mm rounds, as well as a black-and-brown 7.65mm firearm, a magazine and two live rounds.

The maroon Isuzu bakkie, various catering equipment and tools, and two cellphones were also recovered.

Suspect faces multiple charges

The arrested suspect is facing charges that include attack on police, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of prohibited firearms, business robbery, armed robbery and hijacking.

He is expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court during the week.

The investigation continues and police are pursuing the outstanding suspects. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was notified of the incident.

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