Port Elizabeth - A British couple on holiday in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape had a rude awakening to crime in the city when they were robbed at gunpoint along the beachfront on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that the couple were walking along the beachfront just after midday when they decided to sit on a bench along a pathway.
Naidu said the suspect was seated on another bench when he approached the couple and pulled out a firearm and demanded the woman’s gold chain.
“The suspect snatched the chain from the 74-year-old woman’s neck and started running,” Naidu said. "Witnesses saw what had happened and started chasing after the suspect. A person on a bicycle and in a bakkie gave chase.”
Naidu said the suspect was seen jumping into a taxi.
Naidu said the the taxi was stopped and as the suspect alighted from the vehicle, he fired a shot, injuring one of the witnesses.
A 35-year-old man was shot in his hip and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Naidu said private security company ADT and the community arrested the suspect.
Naidu said a Browning firearm and the victim’s chain was recovered at the scene.
Police are investigating a case of robbery with a firearm and attempted murder.
The 19-year-old suspect will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Major General Thembisile Patekile expressed his gratitude to the community in reacting to the robbery and coming to the aid of the couple.
“We wish a speedy recovery to the good samaritan who was shot and assure the community and tourists to this beautiful city that the SAPS is committed in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all,” said Patekile.