The efforts of police in Gauteng to fight the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms resulted in the arrest of three suspects and seizure of four unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

On 12 January 2022, the Tshwane Crime Intelligence together with Laudium Crime Prevention members followed up on information about suspects who are allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms and are extorting money from local small businesses at Itireleng Informal settlement.

The police pounced on the first suspect at an informal settlement in Laudium. They recovered two unlicensed firearms and 19 live ammunition in possession of the 27-year-old suspect.

At the second house, in the same area, the police arrested a 23-year-old man who was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with 13 live ammunition.

The members proceeded to the third house where they arrested a 25-year-old man for possession of unlicensed firearm after they found him with a firearm and eight ammunition.

All three arrested suspects are expected to appear before court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The Management of SAPS in Gauteng had commended the concerted efforts and dedication of the members to eradicate illegal and unlicensed firearms from the society.

Source: South African Police Service