GQEBERHA – On 28 October 2021, the Acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Zithulele  Dladla launched the Provincial Safer Festive Season operations in Nelson Mandela Bay metro where he iterated that policing throughout the Province will be intensified throughout the Festive season to ensure the safety of all citizens.

This weekend, police in NMB yielded significant results while clamping down on suspects in the respective policing precincts.

While, a successful Ministerial Imbizo was taking place at the Zwide stadium yesterday, 6 November 2021, police members were conducting several operations in the area. Shopping malls were visited and GBV pamphlets were handed out to the community.  At a vehicle check point in New Brighton, two persons aged 34 and 39 were arrested and a stolen firearm recovered. It is alleged that a blue BMW was stopped at Mavuso Road and after searching the vehicle, a 9mm firearm was found in a sling bag. They were detained for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The firearm was reported stolen in Mdantsane in December 2018.

Also at about midnight last night, 6 November 2021, Anti- Gang Unit members followed up on information received about illegal abalone at a house in Dyke Road in Algoa Park. On searching the premises, a pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition was found on the roof of an outbuilding at the same address. The firearm was reported stolen in Kamesh in May 2021. No arrest were made however the firearm was confiscated and an enquiry docket opened for investigation.

At about 20:30 last night, SAPS Mount Road Crime Prevention members arrested a 19-year-old teenager on charges of possession of drugs, possession of car breaking implements and possession of suspected stolen property (car radio).  While members were patrolling in Cawood Street in North End, they noticed a white VW Golf driving in the business area. The vehicle was stopped and on investigating, the passenger was found in possession of a black backpack with various implements, tools and a Daewoo car radio. The teenager was also found in possession of a zip lock bag with tik. He was arrested and detained.

The arrested suspects will appear in the respective magistrates’ courts on Monday, 8 November 2021.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso commended the members for their vigilance and dedication.  ‘During this festive season, we will be intensifying our operations focussing on GBV crimes with the period coinciding up with the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Our focus will also be the enforcement of our laws to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms. We will also be strengthening our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to clamp down on abandoned buildings and to ensure road safety,’ warned Brig Kupiso.

Source: South African Police Service