Athlone police detain two suspects on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and reckless driving

Two suspects are behind bars due to the swift response of police members to a complaint on Tuesday, 03 September 2024, in close proximity of the Magistrates’ Court in Athlone.

According to information at our disposal, armed men were involved in an altercation after which they fled the scene in a Toyota Quantum. The members closed down the possible escape routes upon which they spotted the vehicle driving recklessly in the direction to Main Road. They then followed the vehicle during a high speed chase which ensued. The police members forced the driver of the Toyota Quantum to stop in Jan Smuts Drive, where one of the suspects tried to flee in a bid to evade arrest.

They apprehended the man, searched him and confiscated a 9mm pistol with no serial number and ammunition. The discovery led to the detention of the 41-year-old man for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. The driver of the motor vehicle was also arrested on a charge of reckless and negligent driving.

Once charged, the suspects
are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service