Hijacking suspect arrested

July 9, 2020 • News

PORT ELIZABETH – When a serious crime is committed in the presence of a police officer, immediate action must be taken to ensure that the perpetrators are stopped in their tracks.

On Wednesday, 08 July 2020 at about 16:35, D/Const Wayne Appolis of SAPS Algoa Park was busy with the investigation in Sidwell when he witnessed a hijacking taking place. It is alleged that the complainant (37), a Post Office employee was delivering parcels and made his final stop in Hart Street in Sidwell. On returning to his vehicle, 2 unknown males approached him and threatened him with a firearm. A struggle ensued however the suspects managed to overpower him and get into his Nissan LDV bakkie and drive off.

D/Const Appolis witnessed the incident and immediately set off in pursuit of the suspects. He was alone and in an unmarked police vehicle. A 2km chase through the streets ended in the parking lot of Brown Flats in Sidwell. The police official succeeded in boxing in the vehicle and there was no escape route. The suspects collided into the police vehicle. Both suspects alighted and fled in different directions. With the help of the community, D/Const Appolis arrested one suspect as he was running up the stairs of the flats.

The 37-year-old suspect is detained on a charge of vehicle hijacking and reckless/negligent driving. He is expected to appear in court soon. The second suspect is not yet arrested.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile applauded the outstanding actions of the member. ‘ When duty calls and immediate action is required, there are incidents when there is no time to call for back up and as such police officers place their lives daily on the line in keeping the communities safe. We commend the community for coming to his assistance in directing him towards the fleeing suspects,’ added Maj Gen Patekile.

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