GQEBERHA - Unabated actions by SAPS members in the Nelson Mandela Bay District in the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition is yielding positive results as 11 firearms were confiscated during last week from 29 August to 05 September 2022.
Most of the illegal firearms recovered is a result of intensified crime prevention patrols and operations as well as police visibility in hotspot areas. Significant confiscations and arrests include:
On Monday 29 August 2022 at about 15:39, while SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in the gang hot spot area in Extension 22, they received information of a firearm lying in an open field around extension 22. The members swiftly reacted and a Glock pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition was found. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.
SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members once again recovered another firearm on 30 August 2022. It is alleged that at about 18:45 members were patrolling when they noticed a male running into a shop in Imbuia Street in Arcadia. Members followed him and after searching him, a 9mm pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The 28 year old was arrested and detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
A third firearm was recovered on 01 September 2022 by SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members when at about 21:50, the members noticed a suspicious male who, on seeing the police vehicle, swiftly changed direction and started running away from the approaching vehicle. Members chased after him and after searching him, a firearm and five rounds of ammunition was found in his pocket .He was arrested and detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On 03 September 2022, while Public Order Policing and the Anti-Gang Unit members were monitoring a funeral of a gang member in Kamesh, they heard the sound of gunfire and as they approached the cemetery, they noticed a male walking towards a white VW Jetta vehicle. The vehicle was searched, two firearms and 23 rounds of ammunition were recovered. No one was arrested and an enquiry docket was opened for investigation. Also on the 04 September 2022, AGU members also confiscated 50 rounds of ammunition and a toy firearm at a house in Sable Street in Gelvandale.
All 11 firearms confiscated during the week will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata applauded the members for their unwavering and relentless efforts in ensuring that illegal firearms are taken off the illegal pool of criminals. ‘We will continue to stamp the authority of the State on criminals by destroying their illicit activities. Ensuring a safer community can only be better if we all work together to stop the proliferation of illegal firearms,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
Source: South African Police Service