In a concerted effort to address the scourge of serious and violent crime in the province, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng continues to recover unlicensed firearms and ammunition in circulation.
Gauteng police in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2) partners, and other stakeholders have collectively recovered over 240 firearms and 4000 rounds of ammunition over a period of two weeks (01 – 14 February 2023). In addition, over 100 suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
These recent operational successes are a result of SAPS Gauteng’s relentless crime-fighting efforts through its multi-disciplinary Operation O Kae Molao, routine crime prevention patrols, stop-and-searches, and community tip-offs. Unwanted firearms are also surrendered voluntarily by community members and family members of deceased firearm owners.
On Monday, 13 February 2023 members of SAPS Mamelodi arrested two suspects in the Maseko area for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition following a community tip-off. The members reportedly operationalised information on the whereabouts of a suspect possibly linked to a robbery incident that took place earlier this year in Mamelodi. The suspect’s vehicle was intercepted and the members recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The suspect led the members to his accomplice which resulted in the recovery of three more unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Furthermore, police in Sedibeng District in collaboration with Gauteng Traffic arrested two suspects in Heidelberg on 08 February 2023 and recovered un unlicensed firearms and ammunition. According to a preliminary report members of Gauteng Traffic were patrolling along the N3 freeway in Heidelberg when they detected three males who fled as soon as they noticed the members approaching them. Backup was called and members of SAPS Heidelberg and Vaal Marina joined Gauteng Traffic which resulted in the swift apprehension of two suspects; the other suspect managed to evade arrest. The members recovered an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, gloves, and cable ties found in the possession of the suspects. Further investigation revealed that the firearm is linked to a case being investigated by SAPS Bethlehem.
Also, police in Temba arrested two suspects, aged 31 and 34, in two separate incidents in Mashimong Section 05 and Stinkwater respectively on 05 February 2023 and recovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition.
All the recovered firearms will be subjected to a ballistic test to determine whether they can be linked to other crimes committed.
Community members are urged to report the crime to their nearest police station, SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111, or alternatively leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.
Gauteng police continue to clamp down on unlicensed firearms and ammunition still in circulation https://t.co/qpBTqpvO5u#ArriveAlive #GunsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/oztgKoPnMo
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 15, 2023
