CAPE TOWN – The swift response of police members after receiving valuable information about an armed man who was sitting in a vehicle outside the police station in Atlantis, yielded success.

When the members moved to the outer perimeter of the police station, they spotted the man that fitted the description. Without hesitation they opened the door of the vehicle and searched the unknown male and found a loaded pistol in his possession. The suspect was unable to produce a valid licence to be in possession of such a firearm. The 20-year-old man was arrested and detained. Once charged he is expected to make a court appearance in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

In an unrelated incident Mitchells Plain Crime Prevention Unit was conducting routine patrols near to Blockhouse Street on Friday, 25 June 2021, when they noticed a suspicious, known person of interest. Driven by instinct, the driver stopped the police vehicle, and as members approached the suspect to search him, he took out a firearm and shot at them, fleeing the scene. The police members fired back at the suspect, wounding him. The 40-year-old man was apprehended and a 9mm pistol was seized. Once charged the suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Anyone with information about criminal activities in their neighbourhood is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service