Suspect arrested after Helenvale shootout

A  suspect aged 27, allegedly affiliated to the Nice Time Boys, is expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

This after members of the Eastern Cape Gang Investigation Unit were caught  in the cross-fire in the northern areas on Tuesday evening.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said police members were “busy with investigation duties in Pienaar Street, Helenvale, when shots were fired in close proximity to where they were working”.

“The police officers immediately ran towards the direction of the gunfire,” Naidu said.

“Several shots were fired and it is suspected that rival gangs were firing at each other and the police officers were caught in the cross-fire,” Naidu added.

The members arrested the suspect and recovered a CZ pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition.

The Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Maj Gen Funeka Siganga, applauded the arrest by the members.

"September is police safety month and our members are continuously reminded to stay alert and ensure that they are vigilant at all times, especially in crime hotspot areas, as they may encounter dangerous situations," Siganga said.