Police in Gqeberha continue in their relentless efforts to rid the streets of illegal firearms.

It is alleged that at about 01:40 this morning, Gqeberha K9 members operationalised the information of possible suspects that are allegedly robbing people in a new informal settlement known as Solomon in Walmer. Members were patrolling the area when they spotted an unknown male walking with something in his hand. When he noticed the police vehicle, he changed his direction but was stopped. On inspecting a plastic black box in his hands, they found a firearm and with various rounds of ammunition, inside.

Two firearm with ammunition and a cell phone were confiscated.

The suspect, aged 32-years-old was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear in court soon.

In another unrelated incident, SAPS Kwanobuhle Crime Prevention members arrested two suspects in separate cases while performing stop and search operations in the hotspot areas this morning, 15 November 2022.

In the first incident at about 11:15, the members stopped and searched a suspicious looking male in Jabavu Street. A firearm and two rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The serial number was filed off. The 29-year-old suspect is detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Not far from where the first arrest was effected, an 18-year-old teenager was also arrested for illegal possession of ammunition and possession of a dangerous weapon. He was found in possession of three rounds of ammunition and a knife.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in their respective magistrate courts soon. The confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Source: South African Police Service