Armed heist likely foiled – police

POLICE foiled a potential robbery and confiscated two suspected stolen firearms – one a shotgun – in separate incidents in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth.

Altogether six men were arrested in two vehicles, one with a pistol inside and the other a shotgun – both with the serial numbers removed – in the two incidents on Wednesday.

Police said yesterday they were investigating if the incidents were linked to a planned heist. Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said the first incident happened at about midday, when police foiled a suspected British American Tobacco truck heist.

“The cigarette truck was being escorted by Fidelity security guards who alerted police about five men who were following them in a Ford,” Beetge said.

“The police followed the truck on its rounds and then the Ford was seen in Mbilani Crescent, Kwazakhele, blocking the road.

“The police pounced on the five men before they could act.”

In another incident, about an hour later, a man was arrested in Bertram Drive, also in Kwazakhele, with a shotgun.

“An anonymous tip-off was received of a man transporting a firearm in a red Opel Corsa.

“Shortly after the details had been circulated, police stopped the Corsa and found a shotgun inside a bag,” Beetge said.

“Both firearms were loaded and we suspect that the men – who were all detained – were preparing to do a heist.”

The firearms have been sent to the ballistic laboratory.