The continued recovery and seizure of firearms is a direct result of intensified crime prevention operations and police visibility in our efforts to deny criminals of their illegal and unlicensed weapons of choice.
During this weekend (1-4 July 2022) a total of five firearms were recovered and taken out of the hands of felons.
In one incident, on Friday, 1/07 at 05:00 while the members was patrolling in Mendi Road in New Brighton they noticed three males walking down the street. When one of the males noticed the police vehicle, he suddenly turned into Dubula Street. The members stopped and searched the three men. One of the men had a small toy like silver firearm in his hand. An enquiry docket was opened for investigation. Investigations later revealed that the firearm was a real gun and that it was reported stolen in Kabega Park in July 1995.
On Sunday, 3/07, Anti-Gang Unit members acted on information of suspected firearms and drugs at a house in Jameson Road in Shauderville. A search warrant was executed and members confiscated a pistol and magazine (serial number filed off), a long rifle with a magazine and several rounds of various calibre ammunition. No arrest was made and an enquiry docket was opened for investigation.
During the early hours of Sunday morning, 3/07, SAPS Mount Road members arrested a suspect in Deal Party in possession of an illegal firearm.
During the early hours of Monday morning, 4/07 at about 01:00 while SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit members were patrolling a gang hotspot area in Bloemendal, they noticed a male walking in Buys Street and when the person saw the police vehicle, he discarded an object resembling a firearm into a yard. On recovering the object, the members noticed that it was a firearm (serial number filed off). The 25-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. He is expected to appear in court during the week.
On Monday, 4/07 at about 10:45, SAPS Despatch members recovered pistol with 15 rounds in bushes next to Logistic Park. The serial number was filed off. Members also recovered pieces of police uniform also dumped in bushes.
All the firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the members for their efforts in ensuring that illegal firearms are out of circulation.’ Every illegal firearm confiscated, is a weapon that is no longer available to be used in the commission of a serious crime. These confiscations are an indication that every endeavour is made by our members to reduce the proliferation of unlawful firearms from the hands of lawbreakers,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
Source: South African Police Service