One person has been killed, two others arrested and fire-arms seized in several gang-related incidents in Port Elizabeth.
Police said 25-year-old Brandon Wicks was shot dead in Bethelsdorp Extension 36 on Saturday night after visiting his mother.
"It is alleged that at about 20:35, Brandon Wicks visited his mother at his sister's house and left to go home. A few minutes later, his mother heard a gunshot outside the house. Wicks was found lying at the corners of Eucomus and Independence Streets, Ext 36 Bethelsdorp. He sustained a gunshot to his head. A case of murder is under investigation," said police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
She said while police were on the scene of Wicks' murder, they received a tip-off about illegal firearms at a nearby house.
"The investigators from the Provincial Gang Investigation Unit immediately followed up on the information and a 30-year-old suspect was arrested and detained for illegal possession of a firearm. A Rossi.38 revolver with four rounds of ammunition was tossed over a chair. Police also seized a Glock firearm which was found in the washing machine," Naidu said.
Meanwhile, she said two suspects were arrested on charges of attempted murder for allegedly firing shots at a man in Kamma Street in Korsten on Friday night.
"It is alleged that at about 21:00, the complainant emerged from a house in Kamma Street and noticed two men walking towards him with firearms in their hands. Shots were fired at the complainant. He sustained gunshot wounds to his arms and upper leg."
"At about 02:00 Sunday morning a 33 year old suspect was arrested at his house in Voissen Street while at 04:30, the other suspect (26) was arrested at his house in Highfield Road Gelvandale. Both suspects detained on a charge of attempted murder," Naidu said.
The arrested suspects will appear in court soon.
The Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Major General Dawie Rabie has commended all those involved in the arrest of the suspects and confiscation of the firearms.
"Excellent team work from all those involved resulted in the speedy arrests. The SAPS will continue to work tirelessly to combat gangsterism and its accompanying crimes of violence in the Northern areas," Rabie said.
