In a concerted effort to deal with illegal firearms which threatens the safety of communities, members of the Laingsburg police seized two illegal firearms and arrested two suspects during a Safer Festive Season operation.
On the morning of 21 December 2021, at about 01:00, Laingsburg Crime Prevention Unit and Visible Policing members acted on information when they stopped a minibus taxi at Voortrekker Road, Laingsburg which was enroute to Ceres.
A search of the minibus ensued when they found two firearms and ammunition hidden in a loose panel of the vehicle. The police seized a .38 Special revolver, a pistol, empty magazine and five 38 special rounds.
The two occupants of the vehicle were subsequently arrested on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Both suspects aged 26 and 30 remain in police custody.
They are expected to appear in the Laingsburg Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, 22 December 2021.
Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, praised the members for their vigilance. He also said: “the efforts of the team is commended by SAPS management as police continue to deal with illegal firearms and drugs that generate serious and violent crimes. This confiscations are in line with various Safer Festive Season operations to rid communities of illicit substances and firearms, with the aim to ensure that the public are and feel safe during this holiday period”.
