West Rand K9 dog tracks and bites suspect in police pursuit in Bekkersdal
A police pursuit of a stolen vehicle turned dangerous when a suspect allegedly opened fire before fleeing into the bushes, prompting a K9 search.
The West Rand K9 Unit tracked down a 32-year-old suspect after police spotted him in a stolen Volkswagen Polo in Bekkersdal on August 24.
According to West Rand Flying Squad (WRFS) spokesperson Karen du Plessis, police followed the suspect along Watermeyer Street after spotting the stolen vehicle. The suspect allegedly opened fire at police, with one round striking the police vehicle.
The stolen Volkswagen Polo later crashed, after which one suspect fled into the bushes and allegedly discarded a firearm. A second suspect was arrested by the visible policing unit. K9 handler Sergeant David Phandela and his Rottweiler, Rex, were brought in to track the fleeing suspect. Rex tracked and tackled the suspect, who sustained bite wounds to his left ankle and right wrist.
Phandela, who has been part of the K9 Unit for 17 years, said officers only release their dogs as a last resort when dealing with serious offences.
Du Plessis said the vehicle had been reported stolen by its owner earlier that morning. Phandela thanked the community for keeping an eye on the suspect and assisting police in locating him.
