Suspect arrested in shooting attack on police

A 22 YEAR-OLD Gelvandale man is in police custody for allegedly shooting at police officers on Sunday (10/04/2016).

A police vehicle was shot at several times in Leith Street, Helenvale, on Sunday while members of the intervention team deployed under Operation Lockdown were performing stop and search operations.

It is alleged that when the two officers got out of the vehicle to search a suspect, shots were fired at them. No injuries were sustained and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect handed himself over to police yesterday afternoon (11/04/2016). He is detained for attempted murder and will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate Court tomorrow (13/04/2016).

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Celiwe Binta, has strongly condemned the attack on our police officers in Helenvale, Port Elizabeth.

“Anyone who attacks or kills a police officer will face the full might of the law. The SAPS will not tolerate any provocation of police officers when they are performing their duties”, said Lt General Binta said.

The cluster commander, Major General Dawie Rabie has also reinforced that these attacks are a cause for concern not only for SAPS management but also for the community.

Community members are urged to be vigilant and to share information that might lead to the arrest/s of these callous criminals. Information may be reported to the nearest police station or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 and Crime Line 3-22-11. He further urged the communities not to support people who disturb public order.

Since the start of Operation Lockdown in March 2016 last month, the intervention units deployed in the area have made significant inroads and several suspects as well as illegal firearms and ammunition were confiscated on a daily basis.