CAPE TOWN – In a relentless pursuit of curbing the surge in gang-related violence, law enforcement efforts in the Western Cape led to a high-speed chase resulting in the arrest of two suspects, aged 16 and 27, on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Members attached to the Public Order Police were on patrol near Heideveld, on Duinefontein Road, when they heard gunshots emanating from a scooter speeding towards the N2 highway. Approaching the scene, they witnessed a passenger on the scooter firing indiscriminately at bystanders.
Responding swiftly, the police initiated a high-speed pursuit. The chase unfolded until Valhalla Drive, opposite Charlesville Mall, where the driver lost control and collided with a pavement, forcing the scooter to a halt. Seizing the opportunity, the passenger attempted to flee but was apprehended by the pursuing officers, who discovered an unlicensed firearm in the suspect’s possession.
Manenberg police subsequently registered two attempted murder cases stemming from the reckless shooting incident. Both suspects were taken into custody on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They are scheduled to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once formal charges are filed.
Western Cape SAPS Spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana, highlighted the significance of this arrest in the ongoing battle against illegal firearms, emphasizing their direct connection to the escalation of gang-related violence in the province. The swift and effective response by law enforcement underscores the commitment to creating safer communities and combating the root causes of crime.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by authorities in their mission to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of residents in the Western Cape. As the legal process unfolds, the community eagerly awaits the adjudication of justice, hopeful that these arrests will contribute to the broader efforts to curb gang-related crime in the region.
Tags: Crime