A 21-year-old suspect was arrested on 3 August 2020, by patrolling Anti-Gang Unit members in Bethelsdorp. It is alleged that at about 10:45, the suspect started running when he saw the approaching police vehicle. Members alighted and chased after the suspect on foot. As he ran, he threw a firearm over the wall into a property in Lodewyk Street. He was apprehended. The serial number of the 9mm pistol is filed off.
The suspect was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. The firearm will be sent to ballistics for analysis. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
Police are urging illegal firearm owners to hand over their firearms as the new Firearm Amnesty period has been extended to a further six months commencing from 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021. The proliferation of illegal firearms remains a major contributor to the increased crime levels within our communities.
Firearm amnesty means an indemnity against prosecution for the unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition. The firearm amnesty period provides an opportunity for members of the public to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition, firearms possessed unlawfully, as well as firearm parts to the South African Police Service without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession thereof.
We are urging the communities to take advantage of this period and hand in their illegal or unwanted firearms to the police.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
