WESTERN CAPE – Safer Festive Season operations yielded positive results when police confiscated an illicit firearm and drugs during crime combatting operations in the Southern Cape.

Last night 15 December 2021 at about 22:45, members of the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting team were strategically deployed along the N2 highway when they conducted a vehicle check point at the Tsitsikamma Tollgate near Plettenberg Bay. The members stopped a Nissan Livinia and proceeded with a search of the vehicle when they found a 9mm pistol and 5 rounds of ammunition in the possession of the driver. He was unable to account for his possession thereof and was arrested.

The 39-year-old suspect remains in custody and is expected to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ court on Friday, 17 December 2021. He is facing charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

In an unrelated matter, on Tuesday, 14 December 2021, Rural Flying squad members operationalised intelligence when they pounced on a vehicle at the Robinson Pass on the R328 which was enroute to Oudtshoorn. A search of the vehicle ensued when a travel bag and black bag were found stashed with dagga in the back. The police confiscated 21 kilogram of dagga which was positively linked to one of the occupants on board. The 39-year-old man was subsequently arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs. He is expected to appear in court once charged.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, commended the members for their vigilance to rid communities of illicit firearms and drugs. Lt. General Patekile said: “these crime combatting operations aimed at ridding communities of illicit firearms and drugs will continue throughout the festive season period because it threatens the safety of communities”.

Source: South African Police Service