PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A video showing the search for an armed suspect in heavy bush near Keurbooms has been released after the conclusion of a court case, 18 months after the incident.
In a WhatsApp post, Otto Olivier of the Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) lauded the swift action by a rapid response member in March 2024 and the "superhero" police officers involved in the arrest.
"Without fear and full of dedication, officers rushed into the bushes with no view of where the firearm was and arrested the suspect," said Olivier.
Armed and dangerous
The drama unfolded on 28 March 2024, a day after the perpetrator robbed an elderly couple on a farm in Keurbooms and fled with their firearm after shots had been fired. A rapid response member doing his rounds identified some of the items the suspect was carrying.
Knowing that the suspect was armed and a danger to the community, he stopped his car and called for assistance.
While waiting for backup, he realised that the suspect was going to flee. He decided to arrest him without any equipment or protection, "putting other people's lives and safety before his own", said Olivier.
Giving chase
During the ensuing chase, the suspect fired several shots at the response member. His flight took him through a school before he disappeared into dense bush. The member secured the area and backup arrived.
For the next few hours, the area was searched while a protective corridor was put in place.
"With a bit of luck and experience, local superhero detective, Captain Martin Theunissen, spotted the suspect in the thick bush," said Otto.
"He had no place for cover and no protection. While knowing the suspect was armed and not afraid to shoot his way out, he still managed to keep the suspect from escaping and called for backup."
Case finalised
Last week, the court found that the accused was mentally disturbed and he was committed to a state institution.
"There are so many times in life that we look back at a situation and realise how different the outcome could have been," Olivier said.
"This message is a reminder how precious life is and how great our local SAPS officers are. It once again highlights the importance of the partnership between security, SAPS, law enforcement and the community."
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
