Police disarm seven suspects in the Western Cape

The commitment of police members to eradicate the possession of unlicensed and prohibited firearms and ammunition were rewarded when they detained seven males, who were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, an imitation firearm, ammunition and presumed stolen property in isolated incidents on Sunday, 21 July 2024.

Police members of Maitland Flying Squad were busy with visible policing when they were tasked to drive to Cape Town Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit. When the patrol vehicle arrived near the corners of Tulp and Osborne Street in Bellville South at around 16:40, they stopped their vehicle when they saw a group of people fighting with each other. The members intervened and saw one of the suspects produce a firearm. The suspect was disarmed and the members searched all the suspects, confiscating an imitation firearm and ammunition including presumed stolen property. They detained six adult males on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of presumed stolen property and pointing of a firearm.

Public Order Police members were busy with high-density patrols in Manenberg when they responded to information and proceeded to an address in Elsieskraal Road. When they entered the premises, they saw a suspicious man trying to flee. They searched the man, recovered a 7.65 pistol with ammunition, and detained the 33-year-old man on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Once charged, the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Bellville and Athlone Magistrates courts on the mentioned charges.