Two Arrested After R61 Robbery Between Komani and Dordrecht

UPDATE – 19:00, 3 March 2026:
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued an official statement confirming that two suspects will appear before the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court on 4 March 2026 for allegations of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of a stolen vehicle. Police investigations into the robbery are ongoing.

Two men aged 41 and 49 have been arrested following a robbery that took place between Komani and Dordrecht on Monday, 2 March 2026.

According to the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in the Eastern Cape, SAPS in the Chris Hani District received information about a robbery involving two foreign nationals along the route.

One Victim Shot During Robbery

Police report that the two victims were robbed of their money, and one of them sustained a gunshot wound. The injured victim was rushed to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the victim’s condition.

Following the incident, the suspects allegedly fled the scene in a white double cab Isuzu bakkie bearing GP registration plates.

Vehicle Stopped on R61 Near Polile

The vehicle was later spotted on the R61 near Polile township and was stopped by members of the Chris Hani Tactical Response Team (TRT), Komani K9 Unit and Ngcobo detectives.

During a search of the vehicle, police recovered:

• A 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off

• Ammunition

• Cash believed to have been stolen from the victims

• Cellphones belonging to the victims

• Alcohol, including two cases of beer, two 1-litre boxes of wine and a 750ml bottle of Gordon’s Dry Gin

After circulation checks, the vehicle was confirmed to have been reported stolen in Khayelitsha in November 2023. The bakkie was seized.

Court Appearance Scheduled

The two suspects are expected to appear before the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, for allegations of:

• Possession of an unlicensed firearm

• Possession of ammunition

• Possession of a stolen vehicle

Police investigations into the robbery between Komani and Dordrecht are continuing.

Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph commended the swift, intelligence-driven multidisciplinary operation that led to the arrests.