GQEBERHA - The adoption of a proactive and preventative policing strategy through increased police visibility is sure to produce positive results especially when there is improved visibility in hotspot areas.

On Sunday, 05 June 2022, observant SAPS Mount Road Crime Prevention members confiscated a stolen firearm and detained five men for further questioning after they were spotted driving in Newton Park. It is alleged that at about 15:30, the members noticed a white VW Polo with the five occupants driving towards intersections of 7th Avenue and Newton Street. The members monitored the vehicle and when the driver saw the police vehicle, he turned into Pickering Street and increased speed. The vehicle was stopped and the driver was known to the members.

The occupants and the vehicle were thoroughly searched. A firearm was found hidden in the broken dashboard. Five rounds of ammunition was found in the back of the vehicle. The firearm was reported stolen in Msombomvu in December 2007.

All five occupants, aged between 25-35 years old were detained for further investigation. A case of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition was opened. The firearm will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Source: South African Police Service