In our efforts to eradicate illegal firearms and make our communities safe, Gqeberha Flying Squad members stance on adopting a zero tolerance approach on criminals are yielding positive results. In three unrelated incidents over the weekend, the unit displayed commitment and dedication and did not allow the criminals any space to operate.
In the first incident on Saturday 23 April 2022 at approximately 14:00, members received and followed up on information of suspects driving in a Quantum taxi and allegedly were in possession of firearms. The members spotted the Quantum taxi as it was leaving Dora Street in New Brighton.
When the suspects noticed the police vehicle, they sped off and a high speed chase ensued. The vehicle was forced to stop in Mati Road and six suspects aged between 31 and 62 were apprehended as they attempted to flee. Two firearms, ammunition, gloves and balaclavas were confiscated.
The Quantum taxi was impounded and all six suspects, aged between 31 and 48 years old were detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms, possession of prohibited firearms, illegal possession of ammunition and reckless or negligent driving. They will appear in the New Brighton magistrate court today, 25 April 2022.
In another incident, also on Saturday, 23 April 2022 at approximately 20:15, Flying Squad members once again acted on information of an alleged suspect in possession of a firearm in Durban Road in Korsten. The alleged suspect was found in a silver Toyota Verso. A firearm with 13 rounds of ammunition was seized. The suspect (37) was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, possession of prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation. The suspect will appear in the Gelvandale magistrate court today 25 April 2022.
In the last incident on Sunday, 24 April 2022 at approximately 21:40, Flying Squad members acted on information received of suspects in a silver VW Polo in possession of firearms in Ferguson Road in New Brighton. When the suspect noticed the police, he jumped out and ran into the yard of tavern. The 37-year-old was apprehended and a 9mm Taurus firearm with ammunition was confiscated. The firearm was reported stolen in Walmer in October 2021. The suspect was detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property. He will appear in the New Brighton magistrate court during the week.
All the confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis. Detectives will be probing whether the suspects can be linked to other cases within the metro.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso applauded the excellent work executed by the members. “Recovered illegal firearms may be considered a success however it is still a serious concern that so many illegal firearms are still in the hands of criminals. The recovery of these firearms is a direct result of intensified crime prevention operations, tip offs from the communities and the efforts of the men and women in blue who work daily to eradicate the proliferation of illegal weapons. The members are commended for their relentless perseverance in making sure that our communities are and feel safe,” added Brigadier Kupiso.
