Atlas security
Atlas Security armed response officers in Gqeberha showed remarkable vigilance and teamwork with the SAPS, K9 Units and Neighbourhood watch groups to successfully apprehend suspects involved in a home invasion in Mount Pleasant on Wednesday night.
Police said in a statement that three suspects arrived at a house in Phyllis Street, Mount Pleasant, at about 17.15, posing as buyers for a second-hand solar power battery.
Spokesperson, Captain Andre' Beetege, said when the homeowner opened the gate for them, a firearm was pointed at him and he was ordered back into the house.
"They took him into one of the bedrooms and tied him up with his shoelaces.
"The house was ransacked. One of the suspects then pressed the remote on the key chain which resulted in the activation of the panic alarm," Beetge said.
He said they fled from the house, but one was apprehended by members of a security response vehicle, while the other two were pursued by police who also responded to the scene.
Beetge said one of the suspects was fatally wounded after pointing a firearm at one of the police members.
He said police found a replica 9mm pistol in his possession as well as some of the property stolen from the house.
"The third suspect attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the yard of a nearby house in Athlone Street, but was found and arrested by SAPS K9 unit members," Beetge added.
He said two firearms were found in his possession, one of which was taken during the house robbery, while the other had the serial number filed off.
"The firearms have been taken for further forensic and ballistic analysis.
"Cases of house robbery, pointing of firearm, and an inquest were opened for investigation. More charges could be added at a later stage," Beetge added.
He said the deceased suspect has not been identified yet, while the two, aged 30 and 31, will appear in court soon.
Earlier this month, two Gqeberha brothers were shot and killed in Motherwell when they fell victim to a scam perpetrated by people using social media.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said 19-year-old Aaron and 30-year-old Kyle Alberts from St Albans, had responded to an ad on Marketplace, for a television set.
She said they were lured under false pretences, robbed, and shot to death, while their cell phones, cash, and vehicle were taken during the tragic incident.
The brothers went to a house in Ceru Steet in NU 5 in Motherwell and were informed that no such ad was placed, and the occupants of the house bore no knowledge of any sale.
Police are urging the public to exercise caution and diligence when using social media platforms to make a purchase.
"Verify the credibility of sellers, conduct transactions in safe locations, and consider involving law enforcement if there are any suspicions," Naidu said.
District Commissioner, Major-General Vuyisile Ncata advises the public to "never tread on unfamiliar territory."
