GQEBERHA - The continuous focus of high police visibility in hotspot areas has yielded positive results this week, especially in addressing the proliferation of firearms in the Northern and surrounding areas.
Members of the Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Bethelsdorp confiscated a total of four firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition and effected arrests in separate incidents during the week.
In the first incident, during the early hours of Monday morning, 27 June 2022 at about 01:00, while doing foot patrols in Bloemendal, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit members confiscated eight live shotgun rounds found abandoned in an open field near the Danny Jordaan informal settlement. Later the same day, while performing duties in Timothy Valley, the CPU members also confiscated a homemade firearm, a toy firearm, 23 small bundles of Khat and a mandrax tablet found abandoned in an open field.
At about 12:30 on 27 June 2022, Anti-Gang Unit members were busy patrolling in Bloemendal area when they noticed a suspicious male walking in a passage between Denson and Didloft Streets. When the members approached the person, he started to run. A foot and vehicle chase ensued and the 20-year-old suspect was apprehended. The suspect was disposing of a firearm in a yard. A firearm and one round of ammunition was recovered. The suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Tuesday, 28 June 2022 at about 15:10, Anti-Gang Unit members were quick to react to a complaint of shooting in progress at the corners of Kobus Rd and Martin Street in Helenvale. On arrival they noticed four males in the street and as soon as they saw the police vehicle, one male started to walk away. The members chased after him on foot and apprehended him. The suspect disposed of a firearm on the roof of a house. A firearm with seven rounds of ammunition was recovered and the 30-year-old gang affiliate was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Anti-Gang Unit members once again vigorously executed their duties last night, 29 June 2022 when they executed several search warrants at houses of alleged criminals with the special focus of firearms and drugs. At about 20:45, a 43-year-old man was arrested at house in Great Westway Street in Kabega Park. Sixty eight .22 rounds of ammunition were seized. The suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition.
Also at about 21:15, AGU members received and followed up on information of firearms at a house in Lenark Street in Kabega Park. A search warrant was executed and a 25-year-old suspect was arrested. A total of 289 various assorted rounds of ammunition, a rifle barrel, gunpowder, .22 pistol frame, a magazine and a .38 revolver were seized.
The arrested suspects will be appearing before the various respective magistrate courts. All the firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
The confiscation of these firearms and ammunition is an indication that our men and women in blue are serious on clamping down on illegal firearms and these unwavering efforts to remove these weapons from circulation will continue in order to ensure the safety of citizens.
Source: South African Police Service