The swift response by members of the police have led to the arrest of several suspects and recovery of five firearms in different incidents.
Members attached to the Western Cape Anti Economical Crime Task Team and the Provincial Extortion Task Team in conjunction with Crime Intelligence conducted intelligence driven operations in Malawi Camp, an informal settlement in Uitsig, Ravensmead and Delft yesterday, Monday, 09 October 2023. The members seized three firearms, drugs and arrested four adult men on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm, prohibited firearms and ammunition and possession of drugs. The suspects are due to appear in the Goodwood and Blue Downs Magistrates’ courts ones charged.
In an unrelated matter, police members of Maitland Flying Squad responded to a complaint in Athlone after a complainant was robbed at gunpoint of his bag with bank cards by two unknown suspects. The suspects were spotted where after they were arrested and found in possession of the bag and bank cards of the complainant. Further searches led to the discovery of a gas pistol which was found on one of them. The suspects, aged 17 and 27 were arrested and detained at Athlone SAPS on charges of armed robbery, possession of stolen property and possession of an imitation firearm. Suspects will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 on the mentioned charges.
Members of Mitchells Plain police arrested a 30-year-old man on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on 09 October 2023 at about 21:30. The members were busy with visible police patrols in Bergwater Street, Rocklands, Mitchells Plain when they saw a suspicious looking man whom they stopped and searched. The man was found in possession of a 9mm Glock pistol with extended magazine and 27 9mm rounds.
The seized firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was previously used in the commission of crime. More charges could possibly be added against the suspects as investigation unfolds.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has applauded the members for the arrests and recovery of the firearms. He further assured the community of the Western Cape that the police will continue working tirelessly in ensuring that those who break the law are arrested and face the full might of the law.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=48871.
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