In order to win the war against crime and render a professional service to our communities, it is crucial for the SAPS and private security companies to work together in tightening our grip on crime and criminals.

During the early hours of Friday morning, 18 November 2022 at about 06:00, a private security company spotted a male with baggage walking on the road in Cape St Francis. On stopping and searching his belongings, they discovered clothing and linen etc. The person, aged between 30 and 40 was taken to the police station. While police were profiling him, further information emerged that a firearm was at a house in Sea Vista in St Francis Bay. This suspect was detained on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.

The information was immediately operationalised and a task team (Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS St Francis Bay members) executed a search warrant at a house in 7th Avenue in Sea Vista. A 35 year old male was arrested and police seized two hunting rifles, a shotgun and ivory, estimated to be R1000.

The firearms were reported stolen in October 2022 from a house in St Francis Bay.

The suspect is detained on a charges of illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of ivory.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Humansdorp magistrate court on Monday, 21 November 2022 on their respective charges.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Brigadier John Lebok commended the security company for their alertness as well as the task team for their swift reaction to the information received. ‘Working in collaboration with SAPS and security companies are crucial ingredients needed to win the war against crime and keeping our communities safe,’ added Brig Lebok.

Source: South African Police Service