A police joint effort led to the arrest of one of two suspects in Cala on September 13, who were allegedly involved in an armed robbery incident in Smithfield in the Free State province.
Police spokesperson, captain Ursula Roelofse, said the Elliot K9 and Barkly East mounted units received information from the Komani K9 to be on the lookout for a grey Hyundai Accent vehicle driven by two suspects. They were allegedly involved in an armed robbery at Smithfield in the Free State in the early hours of the morning.
On September 13 at about 10:00 the above mentioned members proceeded to Cala after they were informed about the suspects on the run.
“A full description of the vehicle was given to the members and information indicated that the vehicle left Lady Frere, taking the direction to Cala. The members continued with patrols around Cala and after some time, the vehicle was spotted,” said Roelofse.
“The presence of the SAPS members made the suspects nervous and that is when they drove away taking the gravel road leading to Indwe. SAPS members pursued until two suspects got out of the vehicle and ran into the nearby bushes.”
Roelofse said police followed the suspects into the bushes, along with patrol dog Alpha which spotted one suspect hiding behind a big rock.
“The suspect then surrendered himself. A revolver with five live rounds and one empty cartridge were confiscated. The 36-year-old suspect was arrested and the firearm and ammunition together with the vehicle, a grey Hyundai Accent, were recovered. A few other items found from the vehicle included the suspects drivers’ licence, gloves and bank cards,” said Roelofse.
“The case is still under investigation.”
The Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo, commended the members on the good working relations across districts and provinces and their attentiveness that made the success possible.
