A DRAMATIC high-speed police chase through the streets of Galeshewe ended in chaos when a fleeing suspect crashed his vehicle into a residential property, leaving a trail of destruction before making a desperate escape on foot.

The chase, led by the SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Investigations Unit, resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old man and the recovery of an illegal firearm with its serial number filed off.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, the pursuit unfolded at around 1pm on March 12, when police officers on patrol identified a suspicious North West-registered Nissan NP200 bakkie and signalled for it to stop. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated and sped off towards Galeshewe, triggering a high-stakes chase through the area.

As the bakkie weaved through the streets at high speed, its occupants frantically attempted to discard evidence, tossing a black bag containing a 9mm firearm and ammunition from the moving vehicle. The pursuit came to a dramatic end when the driver lost control, crashing into a gate and a garage wall of a house in Galeshewe.

Amidst the commotion, the driver managed to escape, leaving his 38-year-old passenger behind. The suspect was swiftly apprehended by the police, while the abandoned firearm and ammunition were recovered.

The police also seized the bakkie as it was allegedly used in the commission of a crime.

Authorities have launched a search for a person of interest, identified as Mxolisi Vundisa, who can “possibly assist with information regarding the incident”.

Meanwhile, the arrested suspect is facing a slew of charges, including possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, malicious damage to property, reckless and negligent driving, resisting arrest, and defeating the ends of justice. He is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Detective Sergeant Lesego Atoro at 082 494 9943, calling SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or using the MySAPS app. All information will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.

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Galeshewe high-speed chase ends in crash, arrest and illegal firearm seizure