GQEBERHA - Concerted efforts to effectively fight the proliferation and usage of illegal firearms in the Nelson Mandela Bay paid off on Thursday, 21 April 2022, when members from the NMB District Crime Combatting Unit (CCU) and the Station Commander of SAPS Swartkops, Lt Col John Perils apprehended a 43-year-old male in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

It is alleged that at about 13:10 on the mentioned date, the police officials received and immediately followed up on information of a person in possession of a firearm at a shop in Mbande Street. On arrival, the alleged suspect was spotted standing in the street. As the members approached the suspect, he ran into the shop with the officers in pursuit. A 43-year-old man was arrested by the CCU members and a .32 revolver and 10 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.

The firearm was reported stolen in the Walmer area during November 2001.

The suspect is due to appear in the Motherwell magistrate’s court soon on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The SAPS encourages the community to continue working with them in reducing the proliferation of illegal firearms as these weapons are used to commit serious and violent crimes.

Photograph attached of the confiscated firearm and ammunition.

Source: South African Police Service