KwaDwesi: Two suspects linked to a house robbery in KwaDwesi, Eastern Cape, are expected to appear before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court today.
According to South African Government News Agency, the suspects were arrested on Saturday morning after swift action by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaDwesi, in collaboration with other SAPS units. This operation led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a firearm with ammunition, along with suspected stolen property linked to house robbery cases in the KwaDwesi policing precinct.
It is alleged that at approximately 12:15 am, six unknown suspects forcefully entered a residence in Gumede Street, KwaDwesi Extension. One of the suspects was armed with a firearm, while another carried knives. The suspects entered the bedroom, allegedly pointed the firearm at the residents, and threatened to shoot. They demanded the keys to the complainant’s vehicle and also took two cell phones, a 32-inch television, a laptop, groceries, and fled in the victim’s red Hyundai. Additionally, they demanded that the complainant transfer an undisclosed amount of money to their banking details.
At approximately 4:00 am on Saturday, SAPS members, acting on received information, spotted a red Hyundai motor vehicle between Nkandla and Winnie Street in KwaDwesi. During an attempt to stop the vehicle, the suspects fired shots at the officers, who returned fire. The vehicle stopped, and the members found two suspects, both aged 20, who were wounded and taken to the hospital for treatment. The two other suspects managed to flee from the scene.
One of the injured suspects has been discharged and is in police custody, while the second suspect, aged 30, is under police guard in the hospital. They are expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate Court today. During the search of the motor vehicle, the officers confiscated a 9mm firearm with ammunition. The members continued to follow up on information, visiting three addresses, and during the search of the properties, various suspected stolen property was recovered, including the property taken during the robbery in Gumede Street, KwaDwesi.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, commended the members for their swift response and follow-up on information received. Ncata stated, “The dedication, commitment, and professionalism of these officers undoubtedly contribute to the safety and security of our community.”