The vigilance and swift response from members attached to Lingelethu SAPS landed two suspects aged 18 and 32 behind bars on charges of possession of a replica firearm, illegal possession of a firearm as well as the possession of a prohibited firearm.
On Saturday 29 April 2023 at 11:45 Lingelethu West SAPS members received information of a white Lexus SUV that was being stripped near Mventshane Street, Level Two informal settlement and on arrival at the scene the members spotted a young male running away from the vehicle and when they approached him he dropped a bag.
Inside the bag they found a black handgun resembling a real weapon. The 18-year-old male was arrested for being in possession of a replica firearm as described in the Firearms Control Act and Dangerous Weapons Act.
The vehicle was partially stripped and the owner thereof did not wish to report a criminal case.
While at the first scene on the same day at approximately 12:00 other members who provided assistance to the first crew at the stripped Lexus also attached to the Lingelethu West SAPS spotted a black VW Golf in Mventshane Street, Graceland with the registration number CAA209898.
The members became suspicious of the motor vehicle and one of the officers approached the vehicle and asked the driver if he could search it. During the search of the vehicle the member discovered a Z88 handgun tucked away under the passenger’s seat.
The serial number of the pistol was filed off. The 32-year-male was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm as well as the prohibited firearm.
Both individuals will appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court soon on the mentioned charges.
