19-year-old arrested after Gqeberha church robbery, two firearms recovered - IOL
A 19-year-old suspect has been arrested.
A Gqeberha church robbery has led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect and the recovery of two firearms and ammunition after police responded to information about armed suspects in New Brighton.
The incident happened on Saturday night, September 19, at about 10 pm when members of the Gqeberha Flying Squad were alerted to suspects allegedly travelling in a maroon Isuzu bakkie.
Police proceeded to Mama Street in New Brighton, where they spotted the vehicle with about four occupants.
According to the Eastern Cape provincial commissionerβs office, the suspects allegedly stopped when police approached, got out of the vehicle and opened fire at the officers before fleeing in different directions.
At the intersection of Avenue B and Mama Street, a SAPS member returned fire.
One suspect was apprehended after allegedly dropping a firearm while attempting to flee.
A second firearm was recovered from the backyard of a nearby house, where another suspect had allegedly run.
No police officers were injured during the incident.
Preliminary investigations allegedly linked the suspects to a robbery at a church on Stofile Street, New Brighton.
Police said church personnel who were preparing for the Sunday service were allegedly robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones.
The suspects then allegedly fled from the church in the maroon Isuzu bakkie.
During the police operation, officers recovered a black 9mm Taurus firearm with its serial number filed off, a magazine and two live 9mm rounds.
A second firearm, described as a black-and-brown 7.65mm firearm, was also recovered along with its magazine and two live rounds.
Police also recovered the maroon Isuzu bakkie, various catering equipment and tools, as well as two cellphones.
The arrested 19-year-old faces several charges, including attack on police, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of prohibited firearms, business robbery, armed robbery and hijacking.
He is expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrateβs Court during the week.
The investigation is continuing, with police pursuing the outstanding suspects.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was also notified of the incident.
