GQEBERHA – Immediate following up on information, monitoring alleged gang members movements and targeting hotspot areas in Gqeberha proved fruitful when three (3) firearms, several rounds of ammunition and drugs were recovered in separate incidents this weekend.
Anti-Gang Unit and Gqeberha Flying Squad members ensured that their presence were felt in the Northern areas.
On Friday, 21 May 2021 at about 22:50, AGU members were busy with special operations in the hotspot areas in Bethelsdorp when they noticed two males walking in a passage between Gloxinia Street and Cherry Avenue. On seeing the police, a 39-year-old male dropped a 9mm pistol (serial number filed off). He was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
On Saturday 22 May 2021 at approximately 15:55, it is alleged that Gqeberha Flying Squad members received and followed up on information of an alleged gang member in possession of a firearm. The suspect was spotted in Moodley’s Grounds in Kleinskool and was tactically approached. The 21-year-old gang affiliate on seeing the police discarded a replica firearm while at the same time pulled out a firearm and fired shots at the members. Police returned fire and chased after the suspect on foot. He was physically tackled and apprehended. A 9mm pistol (serial number filed off) and 5 rounds of ammunition were recovered. The suspect was detained for possession of a prohibited firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and attack on police.
Also on the same day, at about 23:00, AGU members followed up on information received at a flat in Sutton Road in Sidwell. While attempting to gain entry, a male was seen hiding something in the bathroom. On searching the place, a 9mm firearm was found hidden in a hole in the bath tub. The 23-year-old male was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The firearm was reported stolen in St Francis Bay in December 2020.
During the early hours of this morning, 23 May 2021 at about 02:45, AGU members executed a search warrant at a house in Gabriella Crescent in Parsonsvlei. A 34-year-old male was arrested on a charge of possession of drugs. A total of 430 mandrax tablets, 21g of mandrax powder and a Samsung tablet was confiscated. The estimated value of the drugs is R17 200-00.
On Sunday, 23 May 2021 at about 09:00, AGU members were patrolling in William Slammert Drive when they noticed a group of suspicious males walking. The males were searched and one man aged 21-years-old was found in possession of 5 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested and detained on a charge of illegal possession of ammunition. The members also confiscated another 7 rounds of ammunition found hidden in a fuse box at Brown flats in Sidwell. No arrest, only confiscation.
All the arrested suspects will appear in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court on Monday, 24 May 2021. The firearms and ammunition will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the operational teams for ensuring that criminals have no space to move. ‘Criminals must never undermine the ability of our police officers and we will continuously be in their space and reclaim it for the benefit of our communities. Attacks on our police officers while executing their duties will not be tolerated and those arrested will face the consequences of their actions,’ warned Lt Gen Ntshinga.