Heroic cops nab robber
Despite hearing what sounded like gunshots, the officers chased into thick bush after two fleeing suspects
K9 Unit officers, despite hearing gunshots, chased into thick bush after two fleeing suspects on Tuesday evening.
Within minutes, they had arrested one of the two men who earlier attempted to steal a car from a shopping centre parking area.
A woman who was leaving her place of employment on Tuesday evening was surprised to find two men sitting in her car. When she confronted the men, they apologised to her and claimed they had climbed into the wrong car.
She screamed for help and staff of the Ladysmith Gazette, who were busy closing their offices, heard the screams and rushed to her aid.
The men fled the scene, chased by close to 20 shoppers and Gazette staff.
The police were immediately called and the chase was on…
The two men hid themselves in nearby bush until they thought people had given up the chase. Then they brazenly exited the bush and calmly walked up a side street towards Ladysmith Provincial Hospital.
However, colleagues of the woman had not given up so easily and spotting the men, they gave chase. The men then fled into nearby bush once more. Gunshots could be heard as they attempted to make good their escape.
K9 Unit officers Warrant Officer Chris Maree and Constable Sikandar Gaffoor had by this stage doubled back and approached the suspects from the hill above.
They managed to corner one of the suspects and arrest him. He was found in possession of items taken from the vehicle.
The two suspects had also dropped items they had stolen as they fled. These items were also recovered and returned to the still severely traumatised woman.
“The bravery of the two officers is to be commended. Even after hearing what sounded like gunshots, they still chased after the suspects,” said a bystander who asked not to be named.
The 27-year-old suspect was charged for theft out of a motor vehicle. He appeared in court yesterday (Wednesday). He is still in custody and his next appearance in court will be on May 17 for a bail application.
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