Two illegal firearms have been confiscated, two suspects arrested and one killed, leaving our streets safer today. Firearm related crimes will not be tolerated by SAPS,” said the Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie following two firearms related incidents.
In the first incident, two suspects attempted to rob the driver and passengers in a Nyathi taxi in Mavuso Road, New Brighton last night, 20 September 2018, at about 20:00. One of the suspects entered the taxi and demanded money from the driver and passengers at gunpoint.
A 42 year old gun owner passenger then drew his firearm and shot and killed the suspect. When the suspect fell out of the taxi with his firearm in hand, the second suspect picked up his fellow suspect’s firearm. The gun owner then also fired more shots at the second suspect and wounded him in his leg.
The Motherwell Cluster Operational Command Centre members on patrol close by, heard the shots being fired, and on arriving at the scene, arrested the fleeing wounded suspect and confiscated the firearm that was still in his possession.
The deceased suspect was identified as the 32 year old Siyabonga Sibhembe which was a known suspect in drug and firearm related crimes. The wounded 28 year old suspect was taken to Livingstone Hospital under police guard. He will face charges of attempted robbery and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In the second incident, Motherwell Cluster Highway Patrol members on patrol in Mati Road, New Brighton pulled over a suspicious white Mazda 323 at 23:30. On searching the 35-year-old driver, an unlicensed firearm with 9 rounds ammunition was found in his possession.
He will face charges for the illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Both firearms were found with their serial numbers removed and will be sent for ballistic and forensic analysis.
Both suspects will appear before the New Brighton Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 25 September 2018 to face their charges.
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