Police in Gauteng are profiling a group of 15 suspects who might be involved or wanted in serious and violent crime cases after they were found in possession of 13 unlicensed firearms during crime prevention operations within a 24 hour period.
Ten other persons were also arrested during an illegal mining operation in Crystal Park where several illegal mining equipment including steel pots, gas compressors, gas bottles, stampers and wheelbarrows were found.
The firearms were seized in Honeydew, Etwatwa, Thembisa, Rietgat, Jeppe, Brakpan, Diepkloof, Ga-Rankuwa and Roodepoort.
In Brakpan, police on routine patrol spotted a BMW with two occupants. While following the vehicle, the driver started to accelerate and thereafter, a chase ensued until the area of Dalpark where the driver who was carrying a firearm started to shoot at the police while fleeing on foot. Police returned fire and the driver was arrested with a flesh wound on the side of the body. The other suspect was arrested while in the vehicle. The suspects’ vehicle was impounded as it had been stolen in Sandton.
The firearms will be send for ballistic examination to establish if they may be linked to any outstanding serious and violent crime cases.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
