The determination by the members attached to Maitland Flying Squad to stop the illegal distribution and utilization of firearms in the commission of serious and violent crime, once again paid off as members arrested three suspects for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents.
On 10 November 2024 at 00:45, members of Maitland Flying Squad were assisting a tracker company with the recovery of a VW T–Cross that was taken in a house robbery in Makaza, Khayelitsha where televisions and cellular telephones were also stolen.
The vehicle was later recovered with one suspect behind the steering wheel, including two flat-screen televisions, several cellphones, clothes, shoes and other goods. One firearm was also found under the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and detained at Makhaza SAPS for charges of possession of presumed stolen property and the possession of a prohibited firearm. The firearm and stolen goods were booked in as exhibits at Makhaza SAPS and the vehicle at Stikland for further investigation.
At 02:35 the members was tracking an Izuzu LDV that was taken in a house robbery in Kraaifontein where the owner was shot. This vehicle was recovered in Nyanga and a shootout occurred between SAPS and the suspects. Two suspects were arrested and both were found in possession of firearms. Another suspect managed to evade arrest and is still at large. One of the arrested suspects was also wounded during the shoot-out.
All of the stolen goods including the Isuzu LDV was recovered. The two adult males were detained at Nyanga SAPS and are due to appear in the Khayelitsha and Athlone Magistrates’ courts respectively on their mentioned charges on Monday, 11 November 2024.
