In a swift response, police quickly apprehended the suspect behind the brutal attack on an elderly man in Sinoville, bringing justice to a shocking incident.
According to Captain Johan Van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, the 63-year-old man was attacked on Sunday shortly after leaving a restaurant, while travelling on Sefako Makgatho Drive in Montana, within the Sinoville policing precinct.
“The victim had just left a restaurant when he turned onto Sefako Makgatho Drive but soon realised he was heading in the wrong direction. He pulled over at Visvanger Street, but moments later, the suspect exited his vehicle and fired three shots before assaulting the victim with a handgun.”
Van Dyk further stated that the victim managed to flee in one direction, while the suspect fled the scene. The injured victim was later assisted and transported for medical treatment.
He added that the incident is suspected to be a case of road rage, but he could not confirm this at this stage as investigations are ongoing.
After learning of the incident, the Station Commander of Sinoville, Colonel Gerald Witbooi, immediately assembled a skilled team of detectives. Van Dyk added that their primary objective was to identify, trace, and apprehend the suspect.
Officers began their investigation by collecting evidence and statements from witnesses. After a thorough pursuit of all leads, a suspect was successfully traced and arrested a few hours later in Kameeldrift, with a firearm recovered at the scene.
“A 52-year-old suspect was successfully traced and arrested at 22H30 in Kameeldrift. The suspect's vehicle, a grey Nissan Navara, was processed by crime scene experts, and the recovered firearm will undergo ballistic analysis as part of the case evidence,” said Van Dyk.
The suspect has been charged with attempted murder and is set to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, March 25.
Major-General Samuel Thine commended the officers for their swift response and unwavering dedication to serving their community.
The Star