The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) have arrested three suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition following a shoot-out with police at a residence in Site B, Khayelitsha.
The arrests occurred on Thursday morning when a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Hawks and police’s TRT unit followed up on information regarding the alleged storage of illegal firearms.
In a statement, Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said: “Upon approaching the said house, shots were suddenly fired in their direction, members retaliated and subsequently penetrated the house culminating in the arrest of three suspects. No one was injured.”
An LM5 automatic rifle and two handguns with serial numbers filed off, as well as ammunition were seized.
The suspects, aged 27, 28 and 30, with alleged gang links, are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday to answer to charges in contravention of the firearms control Act.
Meanwhile, another accused, Anele Mayongo, 23, with alleged “intrinsic links” to the trio appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after Hawks narcotics and firearms members arrested him at a local petrol station on Tuesday in Lingelethu West, for possession of unlicensed firearm. His matter was postponed to October 20 for bail information.
Western Cape Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Mzwandile Ndlovu, welcomed the arrests, saying: “This augurs well for the fight against proliferation of firearms in our communities. We shall continue to execute our constitutional mandate to ensure the safety of all members of the community at all material times.”
The seized firearms are in the process of being subjected to ballistic tests to determine if they were used in the commission of other crimes.
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