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Police in Port Elizabeth squeezing the space of criminals

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Criminals in Port Elizabeth were stripped of their illegal drugs and firearms as police rained down hard and fast on their criminal activities this weekend. Police in NMB Metro confiscated 4 firearms in less than 24 hours and seized dagga with an estimated street value of over R1,5 million.

At about 00:10 this morning, members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) responded to a shooting incident in Bloom Street in Bloemendal and were patrolling the vicinity for the suspects. It was alleged that the suspect got into a vehicle and drove off. The vehicle was spotted in Scholtz Street and tactically approached. The back seated passenger appeared to be very fidgety and was found with a firearm in his hands behind his back attempting to hide it between the seats.

The 23-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 February 2021. An investigation into the ownership of the firearm will form part of the investigation.

At about 10:00 this morning AGU members received and followed up on information about drugs at a house in Van Der Stel Street in Kabega Park. As police arrived at the address, an unknown male exited through the back door, jumped over a wall, and ran. On searching the property for any other occupants, they found numerous jars with dagga in it. Thereafter, a thorough search of the house was conducted and a total of 4,996kg of dagga heads, magic mushrooms, dagga sweets, and a small amount of cash were confiscated.

The estimated value of the drugs is over R1,5 million. An inquiry docket was opened for further investigation.

At about 14:45 this afternoon, AGU members assisted by SAPS Walmer Crime Prevention members responded to a complaint of suspicious activity at a camping/picnic site in Marine Drive, Schoenmakerskop. It is alleged that a group of suspected gang members arrived at the site, intimidated the visitors and hid a red pouch near one of the camping spots. Police were alerted and AGU members conducted a thorough search of the place and found the bag. On inspecting it, two firearms (6,35 baby browning and 7,65 pistol) with a total of 146 rounds of various ammunition were found inside. The 7.65 pistols is reported stolen in Beacon Bay in March 2015 while ownership of the baby browning is yet to be established. An inquiry docket is opened for further investigation and analysis of the firearms.

Last night, 13 February 2021 at about 21:30, while SAPS Bethelsdorp Task Team members were patrolling in Kronenberg Street, in Ext 21 they heard the sound of gunfire in Ext 31. Members immediately alerted other Task Team members who spotted a male running and throwing a firearm in a yard. A 9mm pistol was found in a yard in Hibiscus Street in Ext 31. The suspect managed to evade an arrest.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga has hailed the recovery of these firearms and dagga a huge success. ‘I want to warn criminals that our men and women in blue are not sleeping. Criminals must feel restless and nervous everywhere they go. We will be breathing down their necks in the least expected moment. We may have not affected arrests in all the recoveries but this is an enormous achievement as there are four fewer firearms out of the hands of criminals. Alleged drug peddlers/traffickers, you are not safe if you believe that you can conduct your illicit trade within the confines of your property. We, the police have eyes and ears everywhere and it will only be a matter of time before we arrest you. I commend all those foot soldiers who performed their duty with dedication and passion in ensuring the safety of our communities,’ added Lt Gen Ntshinga.

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