Stolen firearms recovered

PORT ELIZABETH – Continuous disruptive operations in the hotspot areas of Bethelsdorp and Gelvandale resulted in the confiscation of two stolen firearms.

It is alleged today, 7 January 2020 at about 00:10 Anti-Gang Unit members and Metro police were engaging in stop and searches in Durban Road, Korsten when Metro police officers arrested a 30-year-old male in possession of a stolen firearm. A Star 9mm pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition were found tucked in his pants. The firearm was reported stolen in Walmer in October 2019. The suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and is expected to appear in court soon.

Also on Tuesday, 7 January 2020 at about 01:00, Public Order Policing members were patrolling in Esterhuizen Street in Arcadia when they noticed 3 males in front of a house. Members stopped and on searching the surrounding area, a revolver was found in a toilet at the back of the house. The firearm was reported stolen from a gun dealership in Walmer in January 2019. No arrests were made and an enquiry has been opened.

Mount Road Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Thembisile Patekile reiterated that the confiscation of these firearms is an indication that the police are serious in clamping down on the proliferation of illegal firearms. ‘We will continue in our efforts to remove illegal firearms from circulation as they are being used to commit serious and violent crimes. I also encourage those in possession of illegal or unwanted firearms to hand them over voluntarily to their nearest police station during this Amnesty period which ends in March 2020, knowing that they will not be prosecuted” added Major Gen Patekile.