Two Operation Stabilisation Teams deployed at Qumbu received information about two suspects who were alleged to be in possession of illegal firearms at Marambeni location, Qumbu on 26 October 2019.
The assemble and deployment of Stabilisation Operation was a direct response by the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Ntshinga to curb the rampant rise of armed robberies, stock theft and murder in Qumbu, Libode, Ngcobo, Mthatha, Tsolo and Maclear.
The team has up to date recovered and confiscated more than 100 illegal firearms and ammunition ever since April this year.
The two male suspects aged between 28 -29 year old were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. During the operation, the following ammunition was recovered:
A 9mm Z88 pistol, 1 magazine, 35 9mm ammunition, 12 shotgun rounds, 1 black holster, 3 Toyota spare keys, 3 firearm licences, one firearm competency certificate and coins.
On further enquiry it was discovered that the items were stolen and case of theft was opened.
The two suspects are expected to appear at Qumbu Magistrate’ Court facing a charge of possession of stolen property and illegal weapons soon. The firearms will be taken to the lab to determine whether they have been used earlier in commission of crime.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Ntshinga commended the team for excellent execution of this operation.
“We will continue our efforts to take illegal firearms from criminal hands, this success encourages us to continue. We are also thankful of the community support in our endeavors,”she added.
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