Continuous efforts by police to reduce the proliferation of firearms especially in hotspot areas in the Northern areas are paying off as two suspects with firearms were arrested in separate incidents on the weekend.
In the first incident, on Friday, 27 August 2021 at 23:00, PE Flying Squad members received and followed up on information of possible gang member in possession of a firearm at a drug post in Bluewater Bay.
The suspect was spotted in Marla Street and when he saw the police vehicle, he started to run but was apprehended. A 9mm firearm was found in his possession and 6 rounds of ammunition was found hidden in the gloves he was wearing. A total of 14 rounds of ammunition was confiscated.
The serial number of the firearm was filed off.
The 20-year-old gang affiliate was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition
A second gang member was arrested and detained by SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. It is alleged that on Saturday, 28 August 2021 at about 18:25, police were patrolling in Candlebush Street in Ext 31 when they noticed a male behaving very strangely when he saw the police vehicle.
As the vehicle approached the house and stopped, the suspect started to run. He was chased on foot and on apprehending him, a revolver and 4 rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The 29-year-old suspect was arrested and detained.
Both suspects are expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Monday, 30 August 2021 on their respective charges. The firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
