Concerted efforts to rid communities of unlicensed firearms which threatens the safety of the public, resulted in the confiscation of three firearms and ammunition and the arrest of three adult males in separate incidents

Members attached to Nyanga SAPS were patrolling in the Nyanga area when they heard shots being fired. On response they saw a male running away and got into a Avanza. The members followed the vehicle and stopped it. When the vehicle stopped, the suspect jumped out with a firearm in his hand and fled from SAPS on foot. The members who lost sight of the suspect, decided to remain in the area with in pursuit of the suspect.

Their persistence was rewarded when they later saw the suspect entering Mkhonto Square near Emms Drive. They followed the suspect and managed to apprehend him. The suspect was found in possession of a firearm of which the serial number was removed.

In an unrelated matter on the same date, 10 September 2024 at about 23:15, Worcester SAPS members were on patrol in Wentzel S
treet, Roodewal Worcester, when they noticed four suspicious looking males whom they approached and searched during which they found a hard object, later to be identified as a .38 Special revolver, in the inside of the front of the suspect’s pants. Subsequently, a 38-year-old man was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Further investigation revealed that the firearm belonged to the suspect’s father, who will now also be subjected to investigation regarding the safekeeping of the firearm.

In addition, members attached to Maitland Flying Squad were performing patrols in the early hours of this morning in Hanover Park area when they received information about suspects who might be in possession of a firearm. The members went to the premises and saw two suspects who started to run when they saw the SAPS members approaching. Both suspects were arrested when members found a pistol on the wall where the suspects were spotted earlier. Further investigation revealed that the firearm
was stolen in July 2024 in Ottoshoop. The two suspects, aged 25 and 30, were detained at Philippi SAPS for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

All the firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Once charged, the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Athlone and Worcester Magistrate’s Courts on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service