A warrant officer was injured by a stray bullet during a high-speed chase near the Eastern Cape town of Hankey, 11 November, and 19 bags bags of abalone worth R400 000 were recovered from a suspect .
The Warrant officer attached to Gqeberha Flying Squad was chasing after a suspicious vehicle near Hankey at about 10.50 am along with other officers. They were conducting patrols along the N2 highway when they spotted a vehicle travelling at high speed.
The cops activated blue lights and sirens and tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver failed to stop. During the chase, the suspect’s vehicle collided with another vehicle but the driver continued driving at high speed.
Police members fired shots at the vehicle’s tyres to try to stop it and the getaway vehicle ended up in a ditch. One police officer was injured on his head by a bullet fragment. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
The 37 year-old suspect was arrested and on searching the vehicle police found the abalone. A case of possession of abalone, failing to comply with the police instructions, reckless and negligent driving, was opened at Jeffreys Bay SAPS for investigation.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, wished the injured member a speedy recovery and commended the members for their bravery and dedication. “Despite the danger they faced, their swift response and determination resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of abalone.
“Police will continue to ensure those who are involved in criminal activities are brought to book,” Lt Gen Ncata added.
