Robbers and arms nabbed

STAFF REPORTERS

TWO suspected armed robbers have been arrested and a number of firearms recovered following the robbery of a tavern in Nemato in the early hours of Monday morning.

According to police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender, four men were involved in the robbery and an undisclosed amount of cash, alcohol and music equipment to the value of nearly R7000 was taken.

"As soon as all the details were known, Nemato police immediately put out an alert to all neighbouring stations,” said Govender.

Alexandria SAPS members Warrant Officer Mhleli Mangcunyana, Constable Marshall Levendal and Constable Luvuyo Kimbili left the station for Port Alfred. On the way they noticed a suspicious-looking vehicle, a Nissan LDV 1400, about 5km from Alexandria.

When they stopped to investigate, the other vehicle also stopped and its four occupants got out and started running into a field. The officers gave chase and one of the suspects dropped a bag before they all escaped into the bush.

The bag contained four firearms, two 9mm pistols, a 7.65 pistol and one revolver, as well as several rounds of ammunition.

Police found that the vehicle that the suspects abandoned had been stolen in Port Elizabeth on June 26. Humewood police are investigating a case of theft of motor vehicle.

Later that morning Constable Vuyani Ndzaba and Constable Ntombizodumo Fumba, who were briefed on the incident at the beginning of their shift at 7am, were posted on vehicle patrol duties.

While patrolling the CBD, they noticed two men standing next to Voortrekker Street. The constables became suspicious when they saw that the men's clothing was wet, yet it had not been raining in Alexandria. Their description matched that of the suspects who had reported earlier on their shift briefing.

"Without hesitation the two suspects aged 26 and 33 were arrested,” said Govender.

A case of armed robbery is under investigation by Nemato police. Once charged, both suspects will appear in the Port Alfred Magistrate's Court.

• On Monday night Alexandria police arrested two men with a stolen car at the Kenton-on-Sea crossing on the R72.

Govender said Constable Sithembele Mokoof the K9 unit at Port Alfred and Constable Fayyaadh Lillah, who was on rest days and requested permission to work, were on patrol when they noticed a Nissan Skyline alongside the road at about 8pm.

The constables tested the registration number and found the vehicle had been reported stolen in Walmer in June, said Govender.

Both the occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

"On searching the vehicle (the constables) noticed ropes on the back seat of the car. A further search was conducted and a 9mm pistol, a magazine and eight live rounds of ammunition was found andseized,” said Govender.

One of the suspects is awaiting trial on a case of business robbery in Port Elizabeth. Both suspects are from Motherwell in Port Elizabeth. They were due to appear in the Alexandria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.