In a concerted effort to eradicate the proliferation of unlicensed firearms, members attached to the Anti Economical Crime Task Team yesterday morning pounced on a residence situated in Europe informal settlement in Gugulethu during an integrated operation with other Law Enforcement agencies and confiscated an unsilenced 9mm pistol without a serial number.

When members arrived at the dwelling at about 03:30, on Tuesday, 06 December 2022, they found the 35-year-old suspect inside the shack and ensued with a search. They then found the pistol with 13 rounds of ammunition inside the shack and confiscated the find. They subsequently arrested the suspect who was charged with the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. He is due to make his court appearance in the Athlone Magistrates’ court today, 07 December 2022.

Meanwhile, members who were strategically deployed along the exit and entrance route to Genadendal following a business robbery at a Spaza shop at about 11:30 on 06 December 2022, managed to arrest three suspects who were positively linked to the robbery.

The suspects approached the shop owner and threatened him with a firearm. Thereafter, they fled the scene in a vehicle with loot valued at approximately R28 000-00. Vigilant members of the community who witnessed the ordeal, took photos of the suspects’ vehicle and alerted police who responded rapidly and traced the vehicle. They pulled over the vehicle with three occupants along the R43 and ensued with a search. The loot was recovered as well as an unlicensed firearm was seized.

The suspects between the aged 28, 33 and 36 are scheduled to appear in the local magistrates’ court on Thursday, 08 December 2022 on charges of business robbery and the illegal possession of a firearm.

Western Cape police management lauded the members for their commitment to bring these suspects to book and thanked the community for their vigilance which ultimately led to the arrest of the suspects.

Source: South African Police Service