Police in Gauteng had one of the major successes over the weekend in recovering 49 firearms and arrest forty (40) suspects. Eighty (80) diferrent makes of watches believed to have been robbed at jewellery shops and house robberies were also recovered at two houses in Naledi (Soweto) and Alexandra. Four vehicles used as gateway vehicles were also recovered and they have been impounded for further investigations as they may be linked to several incidents of serious and violent crimes in the Province.
The seizure of these firearms may be a breakthrough in solving cases of serious and violent crimes including mall robberies, cash heist, house-robberies and hijacking of vehicles. While investigations are continuing, the arrested suspects will be charged with attempted business robbery, possession of suspected stolen veicles and goods as well as possession of unlicensed firearms. Amongst the firearms recovered includes high calibre firearms which are used by criminal gangs terrorising our communities and attacks on members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies. As these firearms have been taken for ballistic examinationand, no stone will be left unturned to establish where these firearms have been used.
One of the major recoveries led by Major General Kekana, the cluster commander of Moroka Soweto includes 11 pistols and 22 watches that were found in a house in Naledi while police were investigating a domestic violence complaint. Information further led police to a house in Alexandra where three shotguns were recovered, more than 400 round of ammunition for different types of firearms and 80 different expensive watches were found. A suspect was taken into custody. Some of these firearms were robbed from the lawful owners and watches are linked during a number of house robberies and robbery of jewellery shops.
In Vereeniging, members of the Flying Squad recovered four (4) firearms including three (3) pistols and an R4 rifle when they intercepted an imminent business robbery. Five suspects were arrested and two gateaway vehicles were impounded.
An R5 rifle and two (2) pistols were again seized in Olifantsfontein when police searched a stolen expensive sedan vehicle. Four suspects were arrested. Other firearms were seized by the police during stop and search operations in all other areas of Gauteng over the weekend. Suspects will be charged with possession of unlicensed firearms when they appear at the various Magistrates Courts in the Province.
“A call made to the communities in Gauteng to report heavily armed gangs, suspicious people and vehicles is bearing fruits. Without their support and cooperation, these successes would not have been achieved”, said the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba.
Any information that may lead to the recovery of firearms especially high calibre firearms will be rewarded.
Any information on corruption and members involved in criminal activities may be forwarded to the Provincial Duty General and Brigadier on cell 082 313 8299 or 082 444 4354 at all hours.
