With OR Tambo District recently having experienced mass shootings, the SAPS in the district embarked on an intensive search for unlicensed firearms resulting in the recovery of ten (10) unlicensed firearms in different areas within the district from Monday, 28 October to 04 November 2024.
On Thursday, 31 October 2024 a 40-year-old male suspect of Bhalasi A/A, Mdlandlovu locality was arrested by Joe Gqabi Tactical Response Unit (TRT) for being in possession of three unlicensed firearms (AK 47, R5 rifle and a Taurus 9mm pistol) all with erased serial numbers. Also found in his homestead was live ammunition as TRT members were following leads of suspects allegedly involved in cash in transit. He appeared in the Qumbu Magistrate court on Friday, 01 November 2024 and is still in police custody. In an unrelated incident, members attached to Sulenkama SAPS also arrested a 31-year-old male suspect on Friday for unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm with an erased serial number and ammunition. He was granted R2 000-00 bail and will be back in court on 23 January 2025.
In Bityi, Nkrancolo locality, two male suspects were arrested when their vehicle was stopped and searched by Mthatha Public Order Police members, and three unlicensed firearms (R5 rifle, 9mm Pistol and a Gas pistol) were recovered. Also in Nkrancolo locality, a 45-year-old male suspect was arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol (erased serial number) with ammunition.
On Sunday, 03 November 2024 a 42-year-old suspect at Dobe locality in Ngcwanguba A/A – Mqanduli was shot dead by TRT police retaliating whilst the suspect firstly shot at them and a revolver with ammunition which was stolen in Hillbrow was found. A planned operation by Zone 4 District Task Team with Flagstaff Visible Policing members at Siphaqeni locality – Flagstaff, led to the recovery of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with ammunition and the arrest of a 24-year-old male suspect.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Katishi Modishana commended the police for the recoveries claiming that this is a right path towards a safer festive season.
Ten unlicensed firearms recovered in OR Tambo District in a week https://t.co/AZQFop4vYY#ArriveAlive #TrioCrimes #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/KLlIbGyBnH
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 5, 2024
