Police officers in the Nelson Mandela Bay District have achieved success in reducing criminal activity across problematic areas through their Operation Bamba efforts.
According to the SAPS spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, on Monday, April 28, SAPS members acted on intelligence and swiftly intervened when community members pursued alleged suspects involved in criminal activities in New Brighton, KwaZakhele, and Motherwell.
She added that “To prevent vigilantism, officers apprehended three juvenile suspects, aged 17, who were later linked to a hijacking reported in the Swartkops policing precinct.”
Janse Van Rensburg added that at approximately 22:15, April 19, an incident occurred where an e-hailing driver was allegedly hijacked at gunpoint by the suspects whilst waiting for a client.
“The victim managed to escape and reported the incident at SAPS KwaZakhele. The stolen white VW Polo was later recovered abandoned.”
She added that during the arrests, SAPS members also identified and detained a known suspect who had fled from a house in Wells Estate where three firearms and ammunition were seized on Sunday, 20 April 2025.
“The suspect faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and is set to appear before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court today.”
“Investigations are ongoing to determine possible links between the suspects and other criminal cases in New Brighton, KwaZakhele, and Motherwell. It is further alleged that the juveniles have been involved in multiple crimes, causing unrest in the community,” Janse Van Rensburg said.
She added that the three juveniles are scheduled to appear at the Nerina House Magistrate’s Court today.
