The quick response by PE K9 Unit members and the immediate activation of information received led to the arrest of five alleged hijacking suspects on Monday evening 15 February 2021 in two unrelated hijacking incidents.
In the first incident, it is alleged that at approximately 20:30 members from the Port Elizabeth K9 unit were busy with crime prevention duties in the central area when they noticed a white Datsun Go with 4 male occupants in the vehicle. The registration number was checked and the vehicle was positively reported as being hijacked in the Humewood area. The four suspects aged between 27 and 37 were arrested on charges of possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of suspected stolen property. The vehicle was impounded. Police also confiscated a gas pistol, 6 cellphones, gloves, and two leather wallets.
It was later established that the Datsun Go was hijacked on Sunday 14 February 2021, at approximately 16:30 in Rink Street, Greenacres. The vehicle was used as an e-hailing taxi service. The driver picked up two clients from Walmer Boulevard and as they were nearing their destination, one suspect seated at the back pointed the complainant with a firearm and instructed him to drive towards Sunridge Park. At Sunridge Park, the complainant was tied up and placed in the back of the vehicle. The suspects drove off towards Coega, where he was dropped off.
In another unrelated incident, at about 21:30 last night, PE K9 unit members responded to a complaint of hijacking (silver VW Polo) in Commercial Road in Sidwell. Members received information that the vehicle was spotted in Cape Road in the Kabega Park area. As they drove towards that area, they noticed a VW Polo without a registration number. Back-up was requested and the vehicle was pulled over at the corners of Cape Road and Cotswold Avenue. The vehicle was positively identified as the hijacked vehicle in Commercial Road, Sidwell. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of the suspected stolen property. A toy gun was found inside the vehicle.
It is alleged that on Monday 15 February 2021, at approximately 20:45 the complainant was in Commercial Road, Sidwell. He was approached by three suspects who pointed him with a firearm and demanded the keys to his vehicle. The suspect then drove off with his vehicle.
All four suspects will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate Court during the week while the teenager will appear at Nerina House juvenile court.