Suspect in cop shooting nabbed in car park

An attempted murder suspect – armed with a stolen gun – was arrested in the Walmer Park Shopping Centre car park in Port Elizabeth on Monday afternoon.

The man was wanted for allegedly shooting former police captain Tony Durrheim, 65, in East London, three years ago.

Durrheim had gone to his wife’s aid as she was being robbed outside their home.

Police believe Monday’s arrest foiled a possible planned robbery.

They said the suspect, who was in the driver’s seat, and two passengers were sitting in a Toyota Corolla near one of the Walmer Park entrances at the time of their arrest.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said Flying Squad members had received a tip-off at midday that a suspect wanted in East London was parked at the centre.

“Police moved in and ordered all three occupants out of the car,” she said. “The driver attempted to run away but was caught.” The stolen, loaded firearm was allegedly found under the driver’s seat.

“The driver is wanted for attempted murder and armed robbery in Beacon Bay, East London, in February 2015.”

Naidu said two men had followed Durrheim’s wife, Lynn, 58, home from a bank, where she had withdrawn R15,000. Durrheim, who headed the Child Protection Unit from 1984 until he left the police in 2000, was shot when he ran to her aid at the front gate.

Naidu said the 32-year-old driver had been arrested for the attack on Durrheim and was granted bail, but skipped his subsequent court appearances.

“Due to him going on the run, a warrant for his arrest was issued.

“They are being questioned now – we suspect they were planning to commit some crime or robbery,” she said.

“The driver has been arrested on the warrant of arrest and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.”

The two men with him, aged 29 and 35, were arrested on the firearm charge.

They will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The driver will then be taken to East London to face his pending case.