Suspects arrested following high-speed chase and collision in Ermelo
Further investigation revealed that the duo could not produce a firearm licence or a permit for the firearm found in their possession.
ERMELO – Following Highvelder’s initial article on July 12 about the arrest of two individuals after an accident on Jan van Riebeeck Street, further details have been obtained.
In the original report, Highvelder mentioned that the Ermelo SAPS, acting on a tip-off, engaged in a high-speed chase with suspects in a silver Audi A4, which resulted in a collision with a double cab GWM bakkie.
According to Captain Carla Prinsloo, spokesperson for the Ermelo SAPS, police were investigating information regarding a suspect with an illegal firearm.
“The driver of the Audi skipped a stop sign and collided with a double cab GWM bakkie,” Prinsloo said.
The firearm found in the vehicle had its serial numbers filed off and was loaded with live ammunition.
The driver of the Audi, attempting to evade the police, ran a red traffic light, leading to the collision.
Both suspects were subsequently cornered and apprehended at the scene.
Further investigation revealed that the duo could not produce a firearm licence or a permit for the firearm found in their possession.
Both were arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, with an additional charge of reckless and negligent driving against the driver.
The suspects appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 15.
Maj Gen (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, commended the whistleblower whose timely information led to the successful intervention.
He reiterated the importance of community cooperation with the police in combating crime.
