Information from members of Crime Intelligence and operations conducted by various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng led to the recovery of more than 45 unlicensed firearms and 560 rounds of ammunition in the past five days. These weapons that were taken from the hands of criminals would have most likely been used for the commission of serious and violent crimes.
On Friday 22 April 2022 at approximately 21:00, police were conducting a roadblock next to Grasmere Plaza when they stopped a Toyota Quantum with four occupants. As soon as the car stopped, three of the occupants jumped out and fled on foot. Upon searching the car and the driver, police officers found two AK-47 rifles with 30 rounds of ammunition and two shotguns with 110 rounds of ammunition. The 51-year-old driver was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition while the search is still on for the suspects that escaped.
On the same Friday, police officers from Sunnyside Police Station Task Team and Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling hijacking hotspot areas in the precinct when they spotted a vehicle with four suspicious-looking occupants. Inside the vehicle police found two pistols with ammunition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the car was reportedly hijacked in Akasia this month. All suspects were arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and a hijacked vehicle.
In Ekurhuleni, police received information about armed individuals who are involved in car hijackings targeting courier vehicles. An operation was conducted with the assistance of members from Metro Police Department and private security companies. During the operation a suspect was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition and a vehicle that was hijacked in Ivory Park.
Other firearms were recovered during routine patrols, vehicle checkpoints and stop and search operations conducted across the province.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the collaboration between SAPS, Metro Police Department and other law enforcement agencies that is yielding good results, “Recoveries of these firearms, ammunition and hijacked vehicles is attributed to partnership policing and proves that together we can squeeze the space for criminals. I call upon all community members of Gauteng to play their part in the fight against crime and join hands with law enforcement agencies through recognised community based structures,” said Lieutenant General Mawela.
