CAPE TOWN: Two men have been convicted of attempting to murder a police officer in a dramatic 2009 shootout that left a constable with a bullet wound to the neck and sparked a running gun battle through Kraaifontein streets.
The Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court last week convicted Thulile Peters (59) and Headman Nogqala (47) for crimes including attempted murder of a police officer, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The convictions stem from the incident in 2009 when Kraaifontein police officers were alerted to a suspicious vehicle possibly involved in a business robbery.
“The vehicle was spotted leaving an Engen garage in Kraaifontein when occupants began shooting at officers before speeding away,” says Hawks spokesperson Lt. Col. Siyabulela Vukubi.
During the ensuing gunfight, the suspects’ vehicle came to a standstill near bushes, prompting the occupants to flee on foot. One suspect was arrested immediately, but a white Ford Courier bakkie subsequently arrived with armed suspects who resumed shooting at police officers.
“A constable was shot in the neck during the ordeal but fortunately survived,” says Vukubi.
The armed men escaped in the Ford Courier, pursued by a private security company in a running gun battle. During the shooting four suspects were shot on a footbridge as they fled and collapsed from their injuries.
Two died from their wounds while the other two were arrested and taken for medical treatment under police guard, according to Vukubi. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of several more suspects shortly after the incident.
Vukubi says both vehicles used by the suspects were found to be stolen in Hout Bay and Kuils River respectively.
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14-year trial sees multiple deaths
The trial commenced at the Bellville Specialised Commercial Court in 2012 with seven accused persons.
Three have since died during the trial proceedings, one was discharged, and charges against another were withdrawn, leaving only Peters and Nogqala to face conviction.
Peters and Nogqala were convicted on multiple counts including attempted murder of a police officer, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder of civilians, and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. Both accused were acquitted on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle. Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed the convictions.
The matter has been remanded to 14 July for sentencing.
