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After being shot at in broad daylight outside the Kouga Municipality Main Building in Da Gama Road, Jeffreys Bay on February 29, DA municipal ward 4 councillor, and mayoral committee member, Jaques Alexander is in a stable condition at a hospital in Gqeberha.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, it is alleged that at about 15:45, as Alexander was parking his vehicle on the street, a Ford Laser passed him, and two suspects got out of the vehicle and fired shots at him.
She said that he sustained multiple injuries to his back.
“The two suspects split up and ran off in different directions but were swiftly arrested by police,” said Naidu.
She further said that information on the suspects' vehicle was immediately circulated and it was pulled over while speeding in Da Gama Road. Two additional suspects were apprehended by Jeffreys Bay law enforcement officials for being in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.
Naidu said that a 9mm pistol firearm was also recovered in a yard.
“The suspects aged between 26 and 40 years are detained on charges of attempted murder,” said Naidu.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene commended the excellent synergy by police and law enforcement officials in securing the speedy arrest of the suspects.
“Soon after the incident, our members and law enforcement officials were in pursuit of the suspects, and within minutes they were apprehended. I commend the excellent collaboration of those involved as we remain resolute in our pursuit of justice and maintaining the safety of our community,” said Mene.
Kouga executive mayor, Hattingh Bornman said that Alexander was transported to a hospital in Gqeberha after the shooting incident and is currently in a stable condition.
A statement released by the municipality said, “We express our gratitude to the local South African Police Service, Kouga Law Enforcement, and local security companies for their swift response to the distressing situation. Their efficient efforts led to the apprehension of the suspects in less than 45 minutes after the incident occurred.”
The statement further requested that the community keep Alexander and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
DA Eastern Cape Provincial Leader, Andrew Whitfield said that they believed the shooting incident was a “hit” on Alexander.
“We believe this callous and cowardly act of violence to be politically motivated and performed by suspected hit men who targeted councillor Alexander,” said Whitfield.
He said that the DA is calling for the police to intensify their efforts to ensure that all of those involved are brought to justice and that they face the full might of the law.
