GQEBERHA - Detective officers across the Nelson Mandela Bay policing district successfully arrested 45 suspects in a special suspect tracing operation conducted during last night and early this morning.

The joint operation involving detective officers from 17stations and specialised units kicked off at 22:00 last night 06 September 2022 until 06:00, this morning 07 September 2022. The main focus of the operation was to search for and arrest outstanding suspects wanted on serious and violent cases.

The arrests included suspects wanted for murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs, possession of suspected stolen property, domestic violence, arson, defeating the ends of justice as well as petty crimes.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in their respective courts soon.

Also, at about 02:15 this morning, 07 September 2022, Anti-Gang Unit members arrested a 20 year old male in Scholtz Street in Bloemendal for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that while members were patrolling, they noticed the suspect walking into a yard in Scholtz Street. The members continued with their patrols and when they returned to the same street, they once again spotted the same male walking in the street. When the members stopped, they noticed the male throwing something behind the police vehicle. A 7.65 pistol and two rounds ammunition were found. The firearm was reported stolen in Despatch in January 2019.

The suspect was detained and is expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court soon.

Source: South African Police Service