The persistence of police members to eradicate the prevalence of unlicensed and prohibited firearms and ammunition on the streets in the Western Cape, resulted in the arrest of eight suspects in isolated incidents on Tuesday 29 October 2024.
Police members who formed part of an integrated operation descended on an address in Lansdowne where they entered the home and searched the occupants as well as the entire premises. During the search they recovered two rifles, a pistol with no serial number, an assortment of ammunition and cash. The occupants could not provide a valid license to be in possession of the firearms. Subsequently, five males aged between 48 and 68 were arrested for the possession of unlicensed and prohibited firearms and ammunition.
In an unrelated intervention, Public Order Police members conducted an intelligence driven operation in Mandela Park. On their way to the informal settlement they noticed three suspicious males crossing an intersection. When they saw the patrol vehicle they fled in different directions with the police members following them on foot. The police members apprehended one male, searched him and recovered a pistol with ammunition. They detained the 37 year old man on for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Meanwhile Police members from the Anti-Gang Unit responded to a complaint about a premises being used as a storage facility for dagga. The members approached the house Tafelsig and searched the occupants. They confiscated a Smith and Wesson revolver with ammunition and three bags filled with Dagga. They detained a 39 year old Tanzanian foreign national for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as the possession of dagga.
One charged the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Athlone and Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court.
Eight suspects due in court in connection with illegal firearms and ammunition https://t.co/ABo0c15owI#ArriveAlive #GunsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/AC1WnYpvAC
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 30, 2024
