IT was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a man wanted by police decided to do a little early morning shopping on the Bluff on Sunday, 26 June.
While on patrol in the Brighton Beach SAPS policing area, Durban Flying Squad’s Constables Eric Karsten and Ralph Ogle stopped at a petrol station on Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
When they entered the shop, the duo noticed a man eyeing them out. When the police left they decided to keep watching the man, who paced the shop and then stood in a corner watching them.
After he left the store, the officers watched him walk to a corner before he ran across the road. They tried to follow him but were unsuccessful.
Warrant Officer JJ Sonnekus and Constable Ntobeko Ndlovu responded to the Flying Squad team’s call for assistance. At the corner of Archery and Chalmers roads, they saw a man who matched the description.
When the officers got out of their car, the man drew a gun and aimed it at them. In defence, the officers fired in retaliation but the man was able to escape again.
Reservist Captain Avril Fabre and Security Force’s reaction unit officer, Andre joined the search and the team scouted all possible escape routes.
The Flying Squad found and arrested the now-limping man on Ganesh Road, sporting a gunshot to his upper left leg. His gun was now missing.
Reservist Capt Fabre and reaction unit officer Andre returned to the scene of the shooting and searched the area for the gun. They found it concealed behind a spaza shop. The serial number had been scratched off.
Police later discovered the man was wanted on an outstanding warrant of arrest for a drug related offence. His gun was sent for analysis to determine if it had been used in any other crimes.
He is recovering in hospital and once released will appear in court on charges of pointing of a firearm and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Brighton Beach SAPS management commends the Durban Flying Squad for their intuition and persistence in tracking the suspicious man. Reservist Capt Fabre and reaction officer Andre are commended for tracing the unlicensed firearm. We also thank W/O Sonnekus and Cst Ndlovu for their prompt response in assisting with cordoning off possible escape routes.
The teamwork showed by all during this incident again showcases how partnering with internal and external roleplayers always brings positive outcomes,” said media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux.
