The Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) in Gqeberha are making huge strides in the proliferation of illegal firearms as every effort is made to get these firearms off the streets.
The determination of the members is evident when AGU members seized a total of 19 firearms and 1145 rounds of ammunition since the beginning of April 2023 during combat as well as intelligence driven operations.
The latest arrests and confiscation of five firearms were effected on 19 April 2023, on a farm in Withoogte in Rocklands. It is alleged that at about 13:15, a search warrant was executed at the farm. Five firearms were confiscated. Two firearms were reported stolen from a gun shop in Walmer in January 2019.
Ownership of the other firearms will form part of the investigation.
The couple, aged 58 and 62 years old were arrested and detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The suspects are appearing in the Gqeberha magistrate court on 20 April 2023.
All the firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Earlier, this month on 3 April 2023, AGU members also confiscated and a total of 8 firearms from a house in Shauderville. One person was arrested and charged for dealing in drugs, possession of prohibited firearms and illegal possession of ammunition. The investigation of this case is ongoing.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene applauded the tireless efforts of the men and women in blue in ridding the streets of illegal firearms. “One of the main root causes of serious and violent crimes is the illegal possession of firearms. Even though it may seem that we are fighting an endless battle in our endeavours to confiscate and seize these illegal firearms, we are definitely making inroads especially in the gang stricken areas. We will remain resolute in ensuring the safety of our law abiding citizens,” added Lt Gen Mene.
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