Police chase results in dagga bust
LYDENBURG - Local police chased after a suspect who had pointed a gun at officers at a roadblock. The Lydenburg SAPS and members of the Lydenburg K9 Unit were conducting a stop-and-search at approximately 20:00 on Friday December 11 near The Heads, on the R37.
After they had stopped a Mercedes-Benz, coming into Lydenburg from Sabie’s direction, the driver, Steve Ramashaba (50), turned a light on inside the car. Sgt J Mathelele shouted to his colleagues that the driver had a gun, and moved backwards tactically.
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The driver sped away at a high speed, running through stop signs and traffic lights. Ramashaba was apprehended on the corner of De Beer and Bhurmann streets. The suspect had driven into a state vehicle and damaged its front and left fender. Upon searching the suspect’s vehicle, the SAPS found dagga with a combined weight of 38,7 kilograms.
Ramashaba was arrested and detained in the police cells over the weekend. He appeared in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday December 14. He told the police that he was from Ga Fannie Gasekororo in Limpopo. He was charged with the pointing of a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, reckless and negligent driving and the possession of dagga.
“We applaud our members for the sterling work and their commitment and sacrifices that they have shown. These members put their lives at risk by chasing an armed fugitive,” said Capt Kaizer Moela, communications officer of Lydenburg SAPS.
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