EASTERN CAPE – The SAPS endeavours to detect and to prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms, continued to yield positive results as suspects were arrested and illegal firearms confiscated in two unrelated cases in the Joe Gqabi District.

It is alleged that over the weekend at Ntokozxeni locality, Ugie, two suspects robbed a Spaza Shop with a firearm. Yesterday, 5 July 2021, members of the community spotted the two suspects and immediately informed the SAPS. The information was then followed up at Ntokozxeni locality and the two suspects, aged 22 and 28, were arrested and searched. A firearm was also recovered that might also be linked to other business robberies in the area. It was also established that they were from Umtata. The suspects will appear at the Ugie magistrate court.

In a second, unrelated case, members of the Maclear, Crime Prevention Unit also followed up positive information of an unlicensed firearm in the Hopedale area. The members followed up the information and upon searching the identified house found a black. 22 revolver. The serial number was filed off and the firearm had two live rounds of ammunition. The 45-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition and will appear today before the Maclear Magistrate court.

The acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Rudolph Adolph applauded the swift reaction by the SAPS members in the recovery of the firearms that could end up in the commission of possible other crimes.

Source: South African Police Service