A 29-year-old male suspect was shot and wounded by a member of the Community Active Protection (CAP) tactical unit following a vehicle pursuit that began in Yeoville and ended in Alexandra. The incident occurred at the intersection of 19th Avenue and Reverend Sam Buti Street on Wednesday.

According to Alexandra Station Commander Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane, the suspect was one of three individuals travelling in a blue BMW, when CAP security personnel attempted to stop the vehicle in Yeoville under suspicion that it was stolen. When the suspects allegedly refused to comply, the chase ensued.

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When intercepted in Alexandra, all three occupants exited the vehicle. Ngubane said, upon realising they were cornered, one of the suspects re-entered the vehicle and allegedly reached for a firearm. This prompted a CAP officer to discharge a single shot. The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the side of his abdomen. The other two suspects, including the driver, fled the scene on foot.

According to Ngubane, no weapon was recovered at the scene, it is suspected that the remaining individuals may have taken it with them during their escape.
The crime scene was promptly secured by CAP personnel, with South African Police Service (SAPS) officers arriving shortly thereafter. The injured suspect was transported to the hospital under police custody.

Due to the suspect’s medical condition and sedation, police have not yet obtained a statement that could assist in locating the other two individuals. Ngubane confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

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Additionally, police reports indicate that the vehicle may have been used in the commission of other crimes. Ngubane said the suspects are allegedly linked to two separate incidents of phone robbery in the neighbouring communities of Sandton and Bramley.

Explaining the suspects’ alleged modus operandi, Ngubane referenced reports indicating that the suspects would drive around in the vehicle, before stopping and pouncing on victims.

At present, the suspect faces charges only related to possession of the suspected stolen motor vehicle. No charges pertaining to the alleged phone robberies have been filed, as those incidents occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Alexandra Police Station. “We can only deal with what occurred here in Alexandra,” Ngubane said.

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