In a display of swift and effective policing, police across the OR Tambo district recovered twelve firearms within the week (5-12 May) in separate incidents. Such efforts by the men and women in blue highlights, the dedication of police in curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms, which often fuel violent crimes in the communities.
In a recent, successful intelligence driven operation by Ngqeleni Vispol and Mthatha Crime Intelligence, on Saturday, 11 May 2024 at about 00:15, in Ngqeleni – Lucingweni locality, Hluleka A/A, three illegal firearms (shotgun, rifle and a 9mm pistol) with ammunition were recovered and one suspect, arrested. In addition, at about 01:20 during the same operation, in Mjanyane locality, three shotguns were recovered, and another arrest effected. Both suspects were detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
On Friday, 10 May 2024 at about 02:00, two homemade shotguns with ammunition were recovered in Coffee Bay at Magcakeni locality, by the Mthatha District Task team with Mthatha Crime Intelligence. A 75-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition whilst another 59-year-old suspect was also later arrested in the CBD by the same team with an illegal firearm and ammunition. The successful seizures of firearms continued when on Friday, 10 May 2024, a 42-year-old suspect was arrested in Qumbu by SAPS Qumbu members for being in possession of an unlicensed pistol and ammunition. Two more firearms were recovered in Bityi.
In separate incidents, two suspects were arrested in Flagstaff for selling ammunition at Mhlanga locality with another suspect found with 9 mm pistol ammunition in his possession in Ikhwezi township.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Maj Gen Pumzile Cetyana commended the efforts of police in the district and iterated that, “While we acknowledge the significant recoveries of unlicensed firearms, our resolve to combat crime remains steadfast. Such achievement emanates from our concerted efforts and proactive approach towards the perpetrators of crime.”
