GQEBERHA – Special operations across Nelson Mandela Bay metro are yielding the desired results as police in their numbers are closing down on criminals in hotspot areas and confiscating firearms and drugs including prescription medication.
In the last 24 hours, two firearms were recovered and a suspect arrested in separate incidents. In the first incident, at about 22:05 on Friday, 30 July 2021, Anti-Gang Unit members spotted 2 males walking in William Slambert Drive in Bloemendal in Bethelsdorp and as they approached them, they started to run. While running, one male disposed of a firearm next to a car parked in the street. A 9mm firearm, with the serial number filed off and 10 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
In another incident, at about 09:50 on Saturday morning, 31 July 2021, SAPS Bethelsdorp and Kabega Park members were patrolling the Booysens Park area when they noticed three males sitting at the corners of Booysens Park Drive and Coral Road. As one male noticed the vehicles, he suddenly walked away from the group. SAPS Bethelsdorp members followed the one that walked away. As the police vehicle stopped next to the male, he dropped a firearm and started to run. The member chased after him and apprehended him. The 28-year-old was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Ownership is yet to be determined.
Both firearms will be sent to ballistics for testing. The suspect is expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 02 August 2021.
Also on Friday, 30 July 2021, Anti-Gang Unit members executed a search warrant at a house in Anita Drive in Ext 12 in Barcelona and arrested a 58-year-old male for illegal possession of prescription tablets.
At about 15:05, the house was thoroughly searched for drugs, firearms and suspected stolen property. A total of 1700 Brazepam tablets, 3000 Stilpane tablets and about 12g of cocaine were seized. An enquiry docket was opened in respect of the confiscation of the Stilpane tablets and the cocaine. The estimated value of the tablets is R94 000.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 02 August on charges of illegal possession of prescription tablets under the Medicine and related Substance Act 1965 (Act 101 of 1965).
Source: South African Police Service