An intelligence driven operation by members attached to Worcester Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Detectives, Crime Intelligence and a private security company landed eight suspects aged between 21 and 36 behind bars on charges of possession of mandrax and possession of an imitation firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property.
On 07 February 2024, information was received regarding illegal drug activities in Zwelithemba and that the owner of the premises was inviting associates from Cape Town to the area who will be coming with illegal firearms in a white Toyota Quantum.
After all information was analysed a grey Mazda 3 driven by one of the suspects was identified and spotted on the N1 coming from Cape Town. The vehicle was stopped by the operational members and searched and no illegal items was recovered. The suspect was taken back to his residence where two males were found on the premises and searched which resulted in two mandrax tablets and six half mandrax tablets being confiscated. The room of the suspect was searched and no illegal items was recovered. Upon further searching a set of keys was found which was for his storage behind his house. The members proceeded to the storage where the premises was searched and 790 mandrax tablets recovered hidden in the fridge and in the washing machine, and also one imitation firearm.
The suspects aged between 21 and 31 were arrested for possession of mandrax and possession of an imitation firearm and detained at Worcester SAPS for further investigation.
Upon further investigation communication was intercepted on the suspect’s cellular telephone confirming that the Cape Town suspects was en route and will meet at Shell garage in Worcester.
Follow up operation was conducted by the operational team which resulted in the Toyota Quantum being identified and approached.
Upon searching the vehicle one Z88 9mm pistol with serial number and 15 rounds were found and confiscated. After further investigation it was discovered that the firearm was reported stolen during an attack on the base camp in November 2023 at the SAPS satellite station in Bloekombos, Kraaifontein.
Five suspects aged between 24 and 36 were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property.
All the suspects were processed and detained at Worcester SAPS for further investigation. They are due to appear in the Worcester Magistrates court once charged.
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