The nexus between drugs, illegal firearms and crime is reflected in the many arrests and confiscations effected by SAPS members. In order to eliminate crime within our communities, efforts must be made to arrest and confiscate these illegal drugs and firearms.
Intelligence driven operations conducted in the past 24 hours by Anti-Gang Unit resulted in significant successes.
On 3 August 2022, a 26-year-old known gang affiliate was arrested in West End for possession of drugs. One hundred (100) mandrax tablets with a street value of R5 000 and cash were confiscated.
Also, on the same day at about 15:20, AGU members executed a search warrant at a house in Crammer Street in Malabar. A 28-year-old male was arrested and detained on charges of illegal possession of ammunition, illegal possession of a modified/homemade firearm and manufacturing/modifying of ammunition and firearms (Firearms Control Act). A total of 243 rounds of ammunition, quantities of shell cases, projectiles, cartridges and a modified homemade firearm was seized.
In the evening at about 20:30, a search warrant was executed at a house in Circular Drive in Overbaakens. Copper (173.3kg), brass (107,40kg) and aluminium (47,85kg) were confiscated by AGU members. The total estimated value of the metals is R400 000. No arrest was made and an enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.
Also at about 22:55, AGU members searched a house in the Nkandla informal settlement in Kwadwesi and also seized brass(62kg) and copper wires(31.80kg) with an estimated street value of R200 000. A dismantled firearm was also found abandoned among some rubble in the yard. No arrest was made and an enquiry docket was opened for investigation.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata is warning the public that ‘communities not only suffer because of the activities of criminals alone but also through the actions of good people making bad decisions. Buying stolen property through illicit deals contributes to a cycle that keeps criminals in business. Drugs and illegal firearms are known contributors to serious and violent crimes. Cable theft is a serious threat to our infrastructure and impacts largely on service delivery. We urge law abiding citizens to do the right thing and help police to break this cycle by exposing these criminals.’
Source: South African Police Service