A high-speed chase through Port Elizabeth ended in the arrest of a 27-year-old Sidwell man and the recovery of a hijacked Mini Cooper.
The drama unfolded this morning, 14 May 2018 at about 07:10, when the 32-year old complainant stopped outside a school in 2nd Avenue in Summerstrand to drop off her child. As the complainant got out of her vehicle, an unknown person confronted her, pushed her aside and got into her R500 000 vehicle and drove off.
At about 12:00, Gelvandale police spotted the car in Malabar and requested assistance. PE Flying Squad and PE K9 Unit responded and the high-speed chase ensued. It is alleged that while pursuing the vehicle in Highfield Road, a vehicle suddenly turned into the street which caused the K9 unit vehicle to apply brakes to avoid a collision however a collision could not be avoided and the vehicle collided into the SAPS Gelvandale vehicle which in turn collided into a shop wall and overturned. Four members (two from Gelvandale and two from K9 unit) sustained injuries and were transported to St Georges Hospital for medical attention
PE Flying Squad continued in their pursuit of the hijacked vehicle and the driver fired one shot in an attempt to evade them. Members retaliated and fired several shots thus succeeding in bringing the vehicle to a halt in Grant Street Sidwell. One suspect was arrested and will be detained on a charge of attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen property.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has commended all the members who responded so speedily to the call for action and arrest. “Criminals must be aware that their activities are only temporary and we will be in their faces. There is nowhere to hide. It is unfortunate that our police members sustained injuries while in their pursuit however the safety of our communities and the protection of property is a priority for the South African Police Service. I wish them a speedy recovery and applaud them for carrying out their mandate of ensuring that criminals do not escape the long arm of the law,” added Lt Gen Ntshinga.
PE Flying Squad recover hijacked Mini Cooper and arrest suspect after high-speed chase https://t.co/A4gwEg8Jfr #ArriveAlive @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/GnF9jiA7vm
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 14, 2018