Perpetrators in custody, unlicensed firearms confiscated

In an effort to rid the streets within the District of unlicensed firearms, a crime intelligence driven operation with the assistance of members attached Mthatha K9 Unit, Provincial taxi violence task team and National Intervention unit led to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition over the weekend.

Police quickly responded to information eceived about a man in possession of an unlicensed firearm entering a business place in Mthatha. He was spotted and upon searching the man, a firearm and ammunition were recovered. He appeared at Mthatha Magistrate Court on Monday 24 June 2024, and was granted a bail of R500,00 to re appear on 02 August 2024.

In a separate incident at Port St Johns, two male suspects, aged 31 and 38, were arrested for pointing Police members with a firearm at the second beach. Police members were patrolling with an unmarked police vehicle when they were forced to stop and the suspect came out of his vehicle and pointed them with a firearm. They managed to tactically disarm him and discovered that the firearm belongs to him and on further investigations, an unlicensed revolver with no rounds of ammunition was recovered in a wardrobe at one of the suspect’s home.

Members attached to Highway patrol, Port St Johns SAPS, Lusikisiki K9 Unit embarked on crime intelligence driven operation and proceeded to Khalane Location outside Lusikisiki where a 56-year-old male was found in possession of firearms. On investigation police recovered two shotguns and a live shell and a 55-year-old male was immediately arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearms.

Suspects appeared at Port St John’s magistrate court yesterday and are remanded in custody to appear again on Friday 28 June 2024 for a formal bail application.

OR Tambo District Commissioner Major General Pumzile Cetyana applauded the members involved in the operations for commitment in ensuring that firearms are confiscated and taken off the streets and these perpetrators are brought to justice.