WESTERN CAPE – In the efforts to deal decisively with crime, police members arrested several suspects on Thursday, 08 July 2021 following intelligence driven operations.
At about 18:15 the complainant was busy with customers inside the shop when an unknown man entered. Whilst he was been distracted by the customers, the unknown man moved in behind the counter and demanded cash and cigarettes. The suspect took cigarettes to the value of R70 000 as well as valuables including an undisclosed amount of cash. He then fled the scene in an unknown direction.
This incident was immediately reported, and the information of the vehicle was circulated. Whilst K9 members was busy with routine patrols on the N2, they noticed a white Ford Icon. As the members approached the vehicle, they noticed one of the occupants pointing a firearm in their direction. As the suspicious vehicle sped away, police members gave chase firing gunshots on the vehicle bringing it to a halt near to Borchards Quarry Drive. Two occupants of the vehicle sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital and is under police guard. All three suspects, between the ages of 35 and 28 years, was arrested and detained on the said incident.
In an unrelated matter, police members operationally deployed in Harare pursued intelligence driven information received from a reliable source and proceeded in the direction of Titanium Street in Chris Nissen Park. Owing to the sensitivity of the information received, a joint operation including members of the Public Order police was conducted. After the identified dwelling was secured, Methamphetamine worth an estimated street value of R90 000 were confiscated as well as an undisclosed amount of cash including two firearms. A 34-year-old female was arrested on charges ranging from dealing in drugs and possession of unlicensed and prohibited firearms and ammunition.
In an unrelated matter police members was busy with stop and search operations in Samora Machel at about 20:00. A loaded 9mm Taurus pistol was found in possession of a 34 year old male who was not in possession of a valid licence. The suspect was arrested and detained.
Meanwhile at about 22:40, members of the Provincial Integrated Task Team received valuable information of the driver of a minibus taxi in possession of an unlicensed firearm. During their routine patrols, the vehicle was spotted near to a garage on the N1. A 7.65 mm pistol was found in the possession of the driver who could not provide a valid licence to be in possession of such a firearm. A 29-year-old male was arrested and detained.
Once charged the suspects will be expected to make a court appearance on charges of possession of unlicensed/prohibited firearms and ammunition, possession and dealing in drugs as well as possession of stolen goods and hijacked motor vehicle.
Anyone with information about criminal activities is encouraged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.
Source: South African Police Service