The persistent efforts to remove unlicensed firearms and ammunition which pose a major threat to the safety of the public, once again yielded success with the confiscation of a handgun as well as several calibres of ammunition during Safer Festive Season operations conducted in the Garden Route District.
On Friday, 29 December 2023 at about 16:30, members attached to Da Gamaskop police conducted high visibility patrols in Hermanus Street, Extension 8 in Mossel Bay when they spotted a man who acted suspiciously upon noticing police approaching. They proceeded with a search of his bag and discovered two pangas and a firearm concealed inside. He was unable to account for the possession of the firearm and it was confiscated. The police also seized the pangas and arrested the 32 year old man on charges relating to the unlawful possession of firearm and possession of dangerous weapons.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 30 December 2023 at about 18:30, members of the Garden Route District Crime Combatting Team deployed in Thembalethu to conduct high density patrols and received information of ammunition at a house nearby. The team operationalised the information and conducted a raid at the premises situated in Zone 9. A search of the premises led to the confiscation of two 303 and two .22 rounds of ammunition as well as 15 mandrax tablets. The police arrested an 18 year old on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and the possession of drugs.
Both suspects remain in police custody. They will appear in court once charged.
These confiscations are in line with the operational approach to rid communities of firearms and drugs which remain crime generators in this region.
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