WESTERN CAPE – Efforts to fight the proliferation of prohibited firearms once again proved successful when police members confiscated firearms and ammunition on Wednesday, 12 Janiary 2022.

Bishop Lavis police members were conducting crime prevention duties in Bonteheuwel when they responded to a complaint of gang shootings close to Soetdoring Street. Upon arrival at the scene the suspect was identified which led to a search, focusing on well-known gang strongholds in the area. A 25-year-old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition when he was found in possession of a 9mm Luger pistol with ammunition.

In an unrelated incident members of the Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a premises in Lagonda Crescent, Beaconvalley. Upon searching the house a 9mm Norinco pistol with ammunition was recovered. A 40-year-old male was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

Meanwhile members of the Maitland Flying Squad were busy with patrols in Harare, when they spotted a vehicle that sped away from an informal settlement. The members gave chase and stopped the vehicle. During their search they found two 9mm firearms with ammunition hidden underneath the front seat of the vehicle. Three suspects aged 31, 37 and 41 were arrested and detained on a charge of possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.

Once charged the suspects are expected to make their court appearances in the Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha Magistrate courts respectively on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service