Alert traffic cop helps in arrest of Jansenville farm attack suspects

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The alertness of a provincial traffic officer in Plettenberg Bay led to the arrest of five suspects linked to Sunday's murder of Jansenville farmer Owen Charles.

The suspects, the youngest of whom is just 12 years old, were eventually arrested in Knysna after they crashed Owen's stolen Isuzu bakkie following a police chase.

Southern Cape police spokesperson, captain Malcolm Pojie, says the Plettenberg Bay traffic officer spotted a bakkie with six occupants and without number plates.

"Being vigilant he noticed that the vehicle had no front or real number plates which created immediate suspicion. He immediately gave chase as the suspicious vehicle sped away in the direction of Knysna," said Pojie.

"Near Kwanokuthula the occupants of the suspicious vehicle suddenly opened fire on the Traffic Vehicle causing the driver to retreat to a safer following distance. The officer then called for reinforcements from the Knysna police and other traffic officer on duty at the time whom joined the chase shortly thereafter."

"As the suspicious vehicle entered Knysna the driver lost control near the George Rex junction with the N2. The vehicle overturned and careered down the steep embankment and landed in a ditch," he added.

Pojie said police arrested five of the occupants which include a 22 year old girl and four teenage boys between the ages 12 and 17.

"The girl and two of the teenage boys sustained serious injuries and was taken under police guard to a local hospital for medical treatment before being admitted. The other two had been detained at the Knysna SAPS holding cells."

According to Pojie, police found six firearms, which include a 12 gauge shot gun and five hunting rifles with ammunition as well as stolen goods such as cameras, Binoculars, clothing, liquor and an undisclosed amount of cash.

He said further investigation revealed that, the vehicle and the stolen items is the property of the 70 year farmer that was killed during a farm attack in the Eastern Cape.

"It is believed that a sixth occupant/ suspect is at large after he fled on food from the scene is believed to be 22 years of age of medium build and was dressed in white Hi Tech top, it is further reported that he sustained facial injuries."

"The suspect is regarded to be armed and dangerous and should not be confronted. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect is requested to contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111."