News24 | Alleged Eastern Cape robber drowns while trying to evade arrest

A man who tried to evade arrest by metro police officers in Beach Road, Brookes Hill, in the Eastern Cape, died after running into the ocean. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)

A man who tried to evade arrest by metro police officers in Beach Road, Brookes Hill, in the Eastern Cape, died after running into the ocean. 

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said that, at about 20:30 on Monday, a 36-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint of his cellphone by two men.

"The suspects demanded his cellphone and fled. However, metro police officers on patrol spotted the incident and chased after the suspects," said Beetge.

He said a 39-year-old man was arrested on a charge of armed robbery, while the other disposed of the firearm and ran across the road and onto the beach.

"During an attempt to evade arrest, he ran into the sea and hid behind the big rocks. Due to the rough sea conditions, SAPS Search and Rescue as well as SAPS Diving Unit were unable to reach him.

"Unfortunately, the suspect's body washed ashore this morning [Tuesday] on King's Beach. The cellphone was recovered, and a replica firearm was confiscated," said Beetge.

The investigation continues.