EASTERN CAPE Police swift response resulted in the death of one of the robbery suspects and recovery of stolen liquor valued around R35 000, after five armed men targeted a tavern in KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage today, 10 December 2019.
On Tuesday, 10 December 2019 around 08:30, it is alleged that five men, one of them armed with a firearm stormed into a tavern in Ponana Tini Road, KwaNobuhle (Uitenhage). One of the suspects with a firearm held the assistant at gunpoint, while others ransacked the tavern.
The suspects made off with undisclosed amount of cash, a television set and liquor mostly cases of whisky. Suspects left the scene in a Nissan bakkie with known registration number plates. Immediately, a complainant alerted the police and a description of the getaway vehicle was circulated in all police communication radio channels.
Moments later, Uitenhage K9 members spotted a vehicle fitting the description traveling on the old Uitenhage Road at high speed and pursued it. A chase continued up until Govan Mbeki area (Ezinyoka) in Port Elizabeth, where a driver of a getaway vehicle lost control and it overturned at Goniwe Street.
One of the suspects died at the scene, while others managed to flee in between the houses. Police recovered liquor valued R35 000 (some damaged) and also confiscated a getaway vehicle.
A case of business robbery is under investigation and police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects to contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Tommy Whitebooi at 082 441 8129. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop 08600 10111. All information is strictly anonymous and confidential.
Source: South African Police Service