Provincial Police Commissioner,
Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, commended the sterling efforts of
SAPS Mount Frere and Mthatha Flying Squad members after a high speed chase
ended in the recovery of a hijacked vehicle and the arrest of a suspect.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, it is alleged that on Monday, June 20 at about 17:00 the complainant, aged 45, and his shop employee departed
from Ntabankulu on route to Durban.
“At about 17:30, as they passed Kokstad on
the N2, they were blocked off by a Nissan bakkie. Two men (one armed with a firearm and the other with a knife) approached the complainant’s grey
Toyota Hilux bakkie,” said Naidu.
She said both men forced themselves into the
vehicle and covered their victims heads with bags and drove off. She said the
suspects made a U-turn and headed back towards Mount Ayliff. According to her,
the complaint and his passenger were dumped in the Phakade area with their
hands bound with their shoe laces.
“They managed to get to a nearby garage and
alerted police. All police stations that are along the N2 were alerted to be on
the lookout for the hijacked vehicle. A police detective from Mount
Frere spotted the vehicle as it passed him and he followed it. Back-up was
requested and Mthatha Flying Squad joined in the pursuit.”
According to Naidu, as the vehicle entered Mthatha, the suspects started shooting at police who
retaliated with the same. She confirmed that the vehicle was abandoned and one
suspect managed to flee while the other, aged 36, sustained multiple
gunshot wounds and was found in the vehicle. He was admitted to hospital in a
critical condition.
“A case of carjacking and
attempted murder is under investigation. Police are on the hunt for the
other suspect.”
Mene applauded the swift reaction of both the detective and Mthatha Flying Squad members and said that despite risking
their lives on a daily basis, their members remain resolute, dedicated and
positive as they serve in the front line.
“Police officers must be
operationally ready and vigilant at all times as they are vulnerable to attacks
from criminal elements. Their dedication and commitment is highly appreciated,”
said Mene.
