GQEBERHA – While conducting special duties relating to the EFF National shutdown, SAPS Algoa Park members arrested a 32-year-old male in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. The suspect is currently out on bail for a double murder which occurred in Algoa Park in December 2022.
It is alleged that at about 21:20; last night, 20 March 2023, members were patrolling when they noticed the suspect walking at the corners of Sidwell and De Wet Streets in Sidwell. They stopped and on searching him, they found a 9mm pistol with ammunition. He was arrested and detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The firearm will be sent to ballistics for testing. Ownership of the firearm is yet to be established.
This morning, 21 March 2023, while detectives were profiling the suspect, they realised that he is one of three suspects charged for the alleged murder of two teenagers on 22 December 2022. The body of one teenager was found lying in a yard in Bloekom Street while the other body was found at the corners of Bloekom and Swarthout Streets. Both sustained multiple stab wounds.
The arrested suspect is out of bail for the murders and his next court appearance is on 23 March 2023.
He will appear in the New Brighton magistrate court on Wednesday,22 March 2023 on the illegal possession of firearm and ammunition case.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the members for their efforts in ensuring the safety of the citizens in the metro. ‘Since the start of these special operations (Friday, 17 March 2023) our members have confiscated four firearms and ammunition with arrests across the metro,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
