Hi-tech equipment key to convicting men who shot security guard

Two Port Elizabeth men who killed a security guard during a suspected ambush in Timothy Valley in April last year have been found guilty.

ADT armed response officer Christopher Adams, 35, was on his way to a call-out when he was shot twice in the neck at about 2am.

Charlton Jackson, 27, and Fabian Bowers, 36, both from Bethelsdorp, were found guilty in the Port Elizabeth High Court yesterday.

Adams was ambushed in Booysen Park Drive while responding to an alarm activation.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said: “The two approached Adams from behind while he was seated in the vehicle. He was fatally shot twice in his neck.

“The motive for the attack was to rob Adams of his firearm, but the accused could not find his firearm and stole his magazine with 15 rounds.

“The firearm was found by police between the plate and vest of his bullet-proof vest. Two cellphones, a small electronic device and a black bag belonging to Adams were taken.”

Naidu said successful tracing of one of the stolen cellphones by the investigating officer, Detective Constable Elton Uithaler, led police to a friend of both Jackson and Bowers.

Both were arrested shortly afterwards at their homes in Vastrap, near Booysen Park.

The internal video camera in the vehicle managed to record the entire attack.

“The accused were also identified by tattoos that were seen on the footage,” Naidu said.

Mount Road Cluster commander Major-General Dawie Rabie congratulated Uithaler, who is now part of the Gang Investigation Unit.

“We are serious about bringing stability to the northern areas and we will not rest until those responsible for violent crimes and criminal activities are behind bars for many years,” Rabie said.

The men are due to be sentenced tomorrow.