A private security company and the local police were able to link a man walking alongside the road in Cape St Francis with baggage in the early hours of the morning on November 18, to a house in Sea Vista, St Francis Bay where stolen firearms were discovered.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the private security company initially spotted the man with baggage filled with clothing and linen walking along the road in Cape St Francis.
She said the man was taken to the police station and was charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
Naidu further said while the police were profiling the man further information emerged which linked the man to a house in Sea Vista in St Francis Bay where police discovered stolen firearms.
“The information was immediately operationalised and a task team which included the Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS St Francis Bay members, executed a search warrant at a house in 7th Avenue in Sea Vista,” said Naidu.
“A man was arrested, and police seized two hunting rifles, a shotgun and ivory, estimated to be R1 000.”
She said the firearms were reported stolen in October from a house in St Francis Bay.
Naidu said the second suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of ivory.
“Both suspects are expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate Court on November 21, for their respective charges,” said Naidu.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Brigadier John Lebok commended the security company for their alertness as well as the task team for their swift reaction to the information received.
“Working in collaboration with SAPS and security companies are crucial ingredients needed to win the war against crime and keeping our communities safe,” said Lebok.
