ORANGE FARM – A 34-year-old man has been arrested after exchanging gunfire with police in Orange Farm.

The incident occurred on 1 May when the man, along with two other occupants, refused to stop their vehicle when instructed to do so by police.

While being chased by police, the suspect jumped out of the moving vehicle and randomly shot at officers before disappearing into the Tjovitjo informal settlement.

Speaking to Ster South, Orange Farm spokesman Sergeant Shaan Motsapi reports: “On Monday, 1 May at 10:00, the police in Orange Farms were patrolling the Golden Highway for crime prevention duties, when they spotted a suspicious motor vehicle traveling southbound towards Johannesburg.”

Motsapi said police instructed the driver of the vehicle to pull off the road.

“The driver refused and proceeded to drive away.

“The police gave chase and unexpectedly the vehicle stopped at the Tjovitjo four-way stop.

Motspai reports that the suspect jumped out the vehicle and opened fire on police.

“Our members managed to shoot him in the arm. He dropped the firearm and proceeded to run away and disappeared inside the squatter camp,” added Motsapi.

Motsapi said police conducted further investigations with regard to the incident and tracing of the suspect.

“The shot suspect was later found at a clinic, whilst seeking medical attention.

“After receiving treatment for the wound sustained on his arm.  He was released from the clinic to the police for arrest and detention of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition,” he said.

The man has since been arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.

Job well done

Orange Farm Station Commander, Brigadier Raymond Buthelezi has applauded the involved members for such diligent action and response against crime, as well as for disarming and apprehending a suspect who was about to commit a crime, with an unlicensed firearm.

The suspect will soon appear at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of illegal firearm and ammunition.