The Addie rushed to the scene after receiving a call from Captain Johannes Ramphora, Springs SAPS’ spokesman, with information of an accident in Nigel Road.
Upon arriving at the scene, between Coaton and Rhokana avneues, there were police cars and a lot of by-standers around a white Volkswagen Golf GTI and a silver Toyota Corolla Verso.
The Toyota, the suspects’ car, had several bullet holes in the door on the driver’s side.
Its back windows also had bullet holes in it.
Ramphora, who was also present at the scene, says an off-duty policeman, living in Struisbult, was behind the steering wheel of the Golf.
He gave chase to the Toyota, that had four men inside, after a neighbour alerted him.
She called him after she saw these men several times in Stuisbult and felt it was suspicious.
Ramphora says the men stopped in Nigel Road in an attempt to escape.
One even tried to get away while their car was still in motion.
Two succeeded in getting away, but their two friends were arrested by the policeman.
One other suspect was arrested when he was found to be waiting for a taxi.
They will be charged with house break-in and theft.
Ramphora says the arrested men are suspected house robbers that scout out areas where they can steal.
Joanne Schimper Westpfahl commented on our post of the event on Facebook on Friday that the suspect who was not apprehended was apparently shot in the stomach.
“The car was full of crowbars, pick forks and other items which they used to break in,” said Westpfahl.
The off-duty police officer has received many praises from readers.
“Brave man, glad to hear he wasn’t hurt,” was a Facebook comment from Yvonne Kruger Saunders.
Alta Swart said, “Good work to the police. I must say thank you to the off-duty police officer who risked his life to make our streets safer.”
Heidi Ludik also said on the Addie’s Facebook page that they know the policeman and he would move continents to keep Springs safe.
“This is not the first time that he has done his duties while being off duty, he is 110% dedicated to his job.”
“Good job to the off-duty police officer,” said Nkululeko Nkosi on Facebook.
