-feared being killed, denies involvement in crimes

Wanted man Tyrone `Cobra’ Rowe turned himself in this morning and is being grilled by the police over allegations that he committed a murder and several gun-point robberies.

Social activist, Mark Benschop had been contacted several days ago by someone close to Rowe who said that the wanted man wanted to turn himself in but did not know how to do it or who to trust.

Benschop received another call early this morning. The caller identifying himself as Rowe said that he was ready to turn himself in.

Thereafter plans were put in place to meet at D’urban Street and Louisa Row and to have members of the media present. Rowe in speaking to the media sometime after 9 am denied being involved in any crimes.

It was the fear of being killed, he said, that prompted the seventeen year old to surrender to the authorities.

He also denied that he was part of the Plaisance armed robbery that left two men including one of the gunmen dead.

Unarmed policemen, in plain clothes and uniform later turned up at the location and whisked Rowe away in handcuffs.

Rowe’s arrest comes months after police had alleged that he was the head of the `Cobra’ gang that had been committing robberies in the city and its environs.

A wanted bulletin without a photograph was subsequently issued for him and Police Commissioner Henry Greene had explained that they did not know what he looked like and were depending on informants.

Earlier this week, police issued a second bulletin with a photograph and updated information on Rowe.

Tyrone `Cobra' Rowe