WESTERN CAPE – Efforts by police to rid communities of illegal firearms yielded success with the confiscation of two unlicensed firearms during targeted operations. These crime combatting operations were executed at Mossel Bay and Thembalethu over the past week with a specific aim to curb serious and violent crimes. Illicit firearms and dangerous weapons, in the hands of criminals, continues to contribute to serious and violent crimes such as murders, attempted murders, hijackings and armed robberies.
On Saturday, 14 May 2022 at about 10:10, Kwanonqaba police at Mossel Bay operationalised information on a silver Toyota motor vehicle which was roaming the streets with a firearm on board. They deployed themselves strategically along the N2 highway when they spotted the vehicle near a filling station, just outside Mossel Bay. A search ensued and a 7,65mm Walther pistol was found concealed inside the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, an Ethiopian national was unable to produce a firearm licence or any lawful reason for his possession thereof. Police confiscated the pistol and arrested the suspect.
The 32-year-old suspect remains in police custody. He is scheduled to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ court on Monday, 16 May 2022. The suspect is facing charges in relation to possession of unlicensed firearm and stolen property.
Furthermore, earlier in the week, Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team (ECCCT) and Outeniqua K9 members followed up information when they conducted a search and seizure operation at Zone 7, Thembalethu (George). A search of the premises resulted in the confiscation of a zip gun. The origin thereof is the subject of the police investigation and the suspect is yet to be arrested.
Meanwhile, ECCCT were strategically deployed in crime hotspot areas where they conducted stop and search operations at Jones Street, Oudtshoorn on Friday, 13 May 2022 at about 17:00. The team noticed two men acting suspiciously and approached the pair. The team found pangas in their possession. Both suspects aged, 20 and 38, were arrested on a charge of possession of dangerous weapons.
The pair remains in police custody. They are expected to appear in the Oudtshoorn Magistrates’ court tomorrow, 16 May 2022, on the mentioned charges.
The police management of the Western Cape lauded these forces for their efforts to rid communities of drugs and dangerous weapons which threaten the safety of communities. These efforts are in line with the policing priorities of this province.
Source: South African Police Service