Three persons were arrested during a special operation conducted by the Motherwell Cluster Operational Command Centre (OCC) in the Kwazakhele and New Brighton area.
In the first incident, OCC members spotted three suspicious persons walking in Salamtu Street, New Brighton on 21 July 2018 at 00:40. Upon searching them, one 28 year old suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The 9mm Norinco pistol was confiscated and the suspect charged with illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm.
A few hours later 04:00, the OCC members were patrolling the M17 when they spotted a grey Toyota Corolla which was hijacked earlier in Mtikrakra Street, Wells Estate.
After attempting to stop the vehicle, a car chase ensued and the vehicle stopped on the M19. The 34 year old driver was arrested and charged with the possession of a stolen vehicle. Further investigation will be conducted to link the driver with the hijacking.
Later the same day at 23:20, the OCC members spotted a suspicious male exiting a tavern in Kwaza Street, New Brighton. Upon searching him, the 28 year old suspect was found in possession of a stolen firearm. The 38 special revolver was stolen from a security guard in May 2017.
The firearm was confiscated and the suspect charged with the illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
During the operation, various dangerous weapons were confiscated from persons searched walking in the streets of Kwazakele and New Brighton, which included eight knives and two toy guns.
The Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie expressed that “firearms plays a large role in the committing of serious offences such as robberies and hijackings and remains the focus area of the SAPS. The successes of this weekend in getting unlicensed firearms and dangerous weapons off the streets is applauded and is focussed at ensuring a safer environment for our communities.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
