Facebook: Atlas Security
Two suspected house robbers were arrested, and another was fatally wounded during a major clampdown on house robbery suspects in Gqeberha's western suburbs by police and private security companies.
Members of the SAPS, Atlas, and Extreme Security responded to three separate incidents in Kamma Heights, Glenroy Park, and Rowallan Park during the early hours of Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Police said during the incident in Sterling Street in Rowallan Park early on Wednesday, three armed suspects accosted the homeowner and fired a shot at him before demanding valuables and fleeing the scene on foot.
Police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge, said they fled on foot taking a laptop, two mobile phones, and a woman's handbag.
While patrolling the area, members of the Kabega Park police station, accompanied by an Extreme Security response vehicle, spotted the three men who fitted the description of the suspects.
Beetge said they were walking through a dense bushy area adjacent to Carelse Street in Rowallan Park when the police and security officers approached them.
He said one man was fatally wounded after he pointed a firearm at the officers.
Police found a 9 mm pistol and a stolen cell phone in his backpack.
In a separate incident in Kingston Mews in Glenroy Park, police said the homeowners were woken up by intruders who demanded their valuables.
According to Atlas Security their armed response officers arrived within minutes, and were able to apprehend two 18-year-old suspects who were still inside the house.
According to a statement, the other two accomplices escaped through a bathroom window taking a laptop, television, iPad, and cell phone.
Meanwhile, police said two suspects gained entry to a house on Langerberg Street in Kamma Heights during the early hours of Tuesday morning
Beetge said they woke up the homeowner, and demanded money and valuables.
"After searching his room, they locked him inside before proceeding to his grandson's room.
"When the homeowner activated the panic alarm, one of the suspects fired a shot in the house."
They fled with a television, playstation, and two cell phones.
No arrests have been made.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, reiterated the SAPS commitment to ensuring the safety of the community.
"Our investigators will be probing the possible links of these suspects to other house robberies across the metro.
"We applaud the close working relationship between SAPS and private security companies," he said.
