WESTERN CAPE - In a concerted effort to eradicate proliferation of unlicensed firearms and the trafficking of illicit goods, police conducted a vehicle check point on the N2 highway at Sedgefield near Knysna on Tuesday evening where they seized an unlicensed firearm and subsequently arrested a 57-year-old man who finds himself behind bars.

Last night (Wednesday, 20 July 2022) at about 19:40, Knysna Crime Prevention unit members stopped a Toyota Avanza at the vehicle check point. A search of vehicle ensued and during the search, the vigilant members found a 9mm firearm with ammunition behind the driver’s seat. The police subsequently arrested the driver. A second occupant of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. He is still at large.

The suspect (57) remains in police custody. He is scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 21 July 2022 on a charge of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, 17 July 2022 at about 20:20 Rural Flying Squad and Eden Crime Combatting Team members were deployed on the N12 outside Oudtshoorn where they pulled over a vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle they found 100 mandrax tablets concealed under the passenger seat. The members confiscated the drugs and arrested four suspects, two woman and two men, aged between 23 and 34 on charges of dealing in drugs.

Later the same evening, 17 July 2022, the team also arrested a 23-year-old woman on a charge of possession of drugs after 112 grams of tik was found in the vehicle she was travelling in.

Western Cape police management applauded the team for their efforts as they continue to rid communities of firearms and drugs which contributes to serious crime reported in this region.

Source: South African Police Service