Six-car pile-up after Airport Junction shooting
Pini Bothoko | Thursday September 14, 2017 16:30
The mall came to a standstill as the security agents fired gunshots after spotting the vehicle of the suspect they had been looking for. Shoppers took to social media with posts about the incident, in which many said the target of gunfire was a Toyota RunX vehicle, which was attempting to flee the scene.
According to multiple reports, security agents tried to block the suspect’s vehicle, while instructing him to disembark. However, he managed to manoeuvre his way onto the A1 highway and sped off.
It is alleged that the suspect committed several traffic violations, running through a few red lights before causing an accident that involved six cars. The accident in turn slowed down traffic in the area.
Botswana Police Service spokesperson, assistant commissioner Witness Bosija said a middle-aged man was in custody after being arrested uninjured in the melee.
He revealed that the suspect was a wanted man in relation to theft and other related offences reported in various police stations.
He said the police tried to stop the suspect’s car, but he sped away forcing the police to take stronger action.
“The suspect ignored the police warnings when he was instructed to pull over his car.
There were shots discharged as the police chased his car. They managed to disable his car, but the suspect fled his car and ran away. Luckily, during the process the suspect was arrested uninjured and is currently in police custody awaiting questioning,” Bosija said.
He said investigations on the matter are at an initial stage and ongoing to establish other offences that he could be linked to.
“In the process of arresting him, there was an accident that involved two cars but luckily there was no loss of life or injuries even though the cars were partially damaged, ” he said.
Bosija said if it is proved the accident was the suspect’s fault, appropriate charges will be added to his charge sheet.
“If the accident occurred because of the suspect’s driving he is likely to be charged with careless driving,” Bosija said.