GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata applauded SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit members for their efforts in removing illegal firearms off their streets.

Since 01 September 2022 to date, a total of 12 firearms with arrests in most of the cases were affected by SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit. 

The latest recovery was last night, 14 September 2022, when four firearms and a suspect was arrested in Andries Street in Old Bethelsdorp. It is alleged that at about 20:35, the members were conducting patrols in an unmarked police vehicle in the known gang hotspot areas, concentrating on gang activities when the suspect spotted their vehicle and made a quick detour into a yard. As the suspect was trying to open the security gate of the said premises, the members approached him. The suspect threw a bag on the floor. Upon searching the bag, four firearms were found inside (three with serial numbers filed off and one with a serial number).

The 35-year-old suspect was arrested and detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and possession of prohibited firearms. He is expected to appear in court soon.

Maj Gen Ncata commended the team for their vigilance and intuition when performing duties in the problematic areas within their station’s precinct. ‘Having a thorough knowledge of your policing environment, is advantageous when dealing with criminals. Staying a step ahead of criminals requires us to be strategic in our policing. The confiscation of these firearms will most definitely have an impact on serious crimes in the area,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.   

Source: South African Police Service