Eastern Cape police arrested a 21-year-old man on Tuesday, after suspects opened fire at members patrolling Port Elizabeth’s northern areas.
Police are investigating a case of attempted murder after the 21-year-old man was arrested at his house in Helenvale. He is expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Cluster Commander, Major General Funeka Siganga condemned the alleged attack on police members.
“Police officers risk their lives to protect our communities and an attack on the police is an attack on the state; and we must work together to stop it,” Siganga said.
“When police vehicles are damaged, this means that there is one less vehicle for policing. Anyone who attacks, kills or hinders our officers will be brought to book. Our police officers will not be provoked when performing their duties.”
On Monday, members from the Visible Gang Intervention Unit were travelling in a police vehicle when suspects opened fire towards the vehicle’s direction. At the time police were travelling in Chamois street in Helenvale.
A bullet went through the windscreen of the police vehicle but no one was injured.
At the time, police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said police members returned fire at the suspects who then fled the scene on foot.
“While driving in Fitchard Street, they noticed three unknown men walking in the street. Two of the men were holding firearms in their hands. As soon as they noticed the police vehicles, they started running. A chase ensued and at the corners of Atwell and Chamois Streets, they started shooting at the police vehicle,” said Naidu.
– African News Agency (ANA)
