A Port Elizabeth police officer has been hailed as a hero after he continued chasing a suspect despite being injured.
The Provincial Commissioner for Eastern Cape, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga has applauded the actions of members of Mount Road Cluster Crime Combatting Task Team for pursuing a suspect and ensuring his arrest.
It is alleged that on Saturday, 31 March 2018 at about 16:10 , members were engaged in stop and search operations in Louw Street in Gelvandale. As the members were busy searching a person suspected to be in possession of drugs, another police vehicle who was behind their colleagues noticed a person running with a firearm in his hand.
Members chased after the suspect on foot and in a vehicle. The fleeing suspect was seen tossing a firearm over a fence.
The member on foot was run over by a taxi however in his persistence, he got up and continued pursuing the suspect.
The suspect then turned around and fired at them with a second firearm. The members observed the suspect handing over the firearm to two other males who joined him while running.
“The attacks on police members can never be justified and we will do everything in our power to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and brought to book.
The injured police officer is commended for his bravery and determination in ensuring the arrest of the suspect and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Our police members are mandated to protect the people in the Northern areas and such attacks will not deter us from fulfilling this task,” added Lt Gen Ntshinga
The 18 year old youth was arrested. Back up vehicles continued chasing the other two suspects who split up. One person was found at a house in Nyala Street but no firearm was found in his possession. A 7.65 pistol was found in a yard in Louw Street in Gelvandale
The driver of the taxi was also apprehended and taken to the police station. A case of reckless and/or negligent driving is opened. The injured Warrant Officer sustained injuries to his face, fingers and foot. After effecting the arrest, he was taken to hospital for treatment.
The 18 year old suspect will be detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and attempted murder.
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