Eradicating the proliferation of illegal firearms minimizes the commission of serious and violent crimes. Within 24 hours police in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro confiscated four firearms and arrested and detained 6 suspects in possession of illegal firearms.
During the early hours of Saturday morning, 8 August 2020, about 01:55, SAPS Ikamvelihle members were doing routine vehicle stop and search operations in Hlosi Street NU 1 when they stopped a vehicle. After searching the vehicle they found an illegal firearm inside the vehicle and 33 packets of tik on one of the suspects. The serial number of the firearm was filed off. All five occupants aged between 25 and 35 years old were arrested and detained on a charge of prohibited possession of a firearm and ammunition. An additional charge of possession of drugs was added to one of the suspects.
During the early hours of 9 August 2020, Anti-Gang Unit members searched a house in Bhosisi Street in Moeggesukkel in Rosedale. A firearm was found in the house. Ownership is yet to be established. No one was arrested. An enquiry docket was opened for investigation.
Also at about 01:00 on 9 August 2020, PE Flying Squad members were patrolling on the N2 near Coega (PE bound) when they stopped a silver Nissan Tida and conducted a routine search. As the driver alighted, the members noticed him pushing something under his seat. On searching the vehicle, two firearms were found under the seat. Serial numbers were filed off. The 38-year-old suspect was arrested for prohibited possession of firearms and ammunition.
All suspects are expected to appear in the respective courts on Tuesday, 11 August 2020. The firearms will be sent to ballistics for further analysis.
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