Santodorp police arrested 26-year-old L.K. on Friday, September 4, after he allegedly drove at officers during a chase and caused two collisions. The suspect was found to be driving without a valid licence and allegedly threw away a firearm while fleeing.
Officers on patrol in the Sunny Point area saw a vehicle with dazzling red lights and no front licence plate. They ordered the driver to stop, but he ignored the order and drove at high speed towards the police officers.
The officers were able to avoid being hit by jumping out of the way in time. The driver then fled, after which police gave chase.
During the chase, the suspect collided with a parked Toyota Carina. Near Rosastraat, officers saw him throw an object from the vehicle before continuing to drive. On Pietgrasweg, he caused another collision, this time with a stationary Toyota Mark X.
Due to the damage to his vehicle, L.K. was ultimately unable to continue driving. He was arrested and handcuffed.
Police then returned to Rosastraat. Acting on a witness’s indication, a black Zoraki M906 handgun, calibre 9 millimetres, was found on the roadside. The weapon had no magazine and no ammunition was found. The firearm was seized.
According to police, L.K. stated that the weapon belonged to him and that he had no permit for it. He was also found not to have a valid driving licence. The suspect allegedly admitted that, out of fear of being arrested and because he possessed the firearm, he had driven at the officers.
L.K. is suspected of attempted manslaughter, violation of the Firearms Act, ignoring an official order and driving without a valid licence. His vehicle was towed away for investigation and seized.
Following consultation with the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service), the suspect was remanded in custody pending the investigation.
