KING WILLIAM’S TOWN – Efficient utilisation of resources in support of the investigation of crime paid off when Tactical Response Team (TRT) members deployed at Dutywa, Dutywa Detectives and Crime Intelligence embarked on suspect raiding and tracing operation in the Dutywa policing area.
The multi-disciplinary operation started on 5 November from 00:00 to 06:00.The first suspect aged 35 years old was traced at Tyelekebende locality, Nqabarha village, Dutywa. It is alleged that on 27 October at about 20:00, three (3) men pretending to be SAPS members arrived at the home of the complainant and enquired if he had a firearm. When he answered in the affirmative, they demanded to see it. The firearm was given to them and they handcuffed the complainant and told him to go to Dutywa Police Station the following day. The complainant arrived at Dutywa Police Station the following day still handcuffed. A case of house robbery was opened on the 28 October 2020. Two more addresses at the same locality yielded negative results, suspects had already fled on arrival of the team. Tracing of the remaining suspects involved in the robbery continues.
The second suspect aged 50, was also arrested at Nqabarha village for possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was found in possession of a pistol with 8 rounds of ammunition in the magazine. The suspect is not linked to the house robbery incident. The firearm was reported stolen in Duncan Village. The firearm will be sent for ballistic testing to ascertain if it was used in the commission of crime.
Both suspects are expected to appear in the Dutywa Magistrates Court soon on charges of house robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Tembisile Patekile commended the members for the arrests and confiscations. “Suspect raiding and tracing is the first step in ensuring that those in conflict with the law are brought to book especially when those suspects go around pretending to be SAPS members and rob innocent and hardworking people. These criminals who are impersonating police officials tarnish the image of the police and it is through them that the communities lose trust in the police. We will not rest until all the suspects are arrested and held accountable for their devious actions. We will be working closely with the prosecuting authority to ensure that they remain behind bars until their cases are finalised,” he added.
