GQEBERHA - The journey to a safer South Africa, requires dedication and commitment of our men and women in blue hence the unwavering obligation to curb the proliferation of firearms and drugs must be continuous.

Within a week, Anti-Gang Unit members removed three firearms, two replica guns as well as ammunition and drugs out of the hands of criminals. Five suspects were arrested for illegal/prohibited possession of firearms. The confiscations were effected between 17 July – 20 July 2022.

On 17 July 2022 at 02:30, 29-year-old male was arrested in Leopold Street in Shauderville in possession of a homemade firearm.

On 18 July 2022 at 11:23, AGU members searched a house in Didloft Street in Bloemendal and confiscated 347 Stilpane tablets, 13 mandrax tablets and a small quantity of tik. The suspect ran away when he saw the police. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.

On 19 July 2022 at 09:35, AGU members arrested 3 gang affiliates at the corners of Harrington and Coetzee Streets in Salt Lake. A 9mm pistol, four rounds of ammunition, a cellphone and a VW Citi Golf were confiscated.

Also on the same day, 19 July 2022 at 16:00, a house in William Slammert Drive in Bloemendal was searched and a .22 Browning pistol with 5 rounds of ammunition was found hidden in a room. A cellphone was also seized. No arrest was made and an enquiry docket was opened.

AGU members also executed a search warrant on 19 July 2022 at 23:50, at a house in Makuleni Street in Kwanobuhle where they recovered 23 rounds of various calibre ammunition, a replica firearm and a smart payment machine. A suspect (30) was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition.

This morning, 20 July 2022 at about 09:00, AGU members received and acted on information of a male at a clinic in possession of a firearm. On arrival, the suspect was spotted and searched. A replica firearm and a holster was found in his possession and confiscated.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata lauded the persistent efforts of the members and added that ‘the decrease in serious crimes can be achieved if we all act together to stop the proliferation of illegal firearms. It is important to remove these firearms from circulation as they contribute to loss of life and serious crime.’

Source: South African Police Service