Police in Kariega arrested two men, confiscated two firearms and recovered stolen goods following a brazen armed robbery of a second-hand dealer at Corkwood Square Mall in Kariega yesterday afternoon, October 25.
At approximately 13:30, several armed men entered the store, held the staff at gunpoint and fled with several cellphones, laptops and cash as well as other valuable electronic items. They then jumped into a white NP200 bakkie and drove off.
Police spokesperson, Capt. André Beetge, said that during the robbery, the panic alarm was activated and on police (SAPS K9) arrival the security guards at the mall pointed at the fleeing bakkie transporting approximately eight men.
The K9 vehicle pursued the bakkie, that headed towards Despatch. The Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and SAPS Kariega vehicles provided backup and joined in the chase.
“The driver of the NP200 bakkie lost control of the vehicle and came to a stop in Khozi Street, Khayamnandi. All the suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled the scene. Two of the suspects pointed the police members with firearms and both suspects were wounded in their legs. They were arrested and their firearms (pistols), confiscated. The other six suspects managed to evade arrest,” Beetge explained.
“The stolen goods were found in the bakkie. The value has not yet been determined. The vehicle was also confiscated for forensic analysis,” he said.
The two wounded suspects, aged 28 and 39 years, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Cases of the possession of stolen goods as well as the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition are being investigated. Additional charges may be included as the investigation unfolds.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Vuyisile Ncata, applauded the swift action by the SAPS members which resulted in the arrest of the two suspects and the recovery of the stolen property. “Police officers concentrating on the hotspot areas not only means that they are visible at all times to deter criminality but they are also quick to respond to the needs of the communities,” he said.
