Three men who were arrested in Port Elizabeth in the early hours of Christmas morning will make their first appearance in court on Thursday.
The men will face a string of charges including the possession of explosives, the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as allegedly driving in a hijacked vehicle.
Police Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says they will also be charged with attempted murder after they fired several shots at police.
She says members of the Motherwell police were busy with their routine patrols when they noticed suspicious men near a local Engen Garage, shortly before 3 am on Christmas morning. The suspects started shooting the moment they realized police were on their tails.
Naidu says the men dropped a black bag and fled the scene.
The bag was filled with “improvised” explosive devices and a pistol.
Police called for backup and all three suspects aged between 31 and 49 were arrested.
She says the 49-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to his hand.
Naidu says following the arrest they confiscated two more firearms and another explosive device.
They will all appear in the Motherwell Magistrates court on Thursday.
