GQEBERHA – The Motherwell Cluster Trio Task Team has scored a significant breakthrough following the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of two firearms, live ammunition and suspected stolen property during an intelligence-driven operation in the Motherwell policing precinct early on Tuesday, 11 August, at about 01:30.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the operation followed information received by members regarding several house robberies in the Motherwell Cluster.

“The information also implicated a business in the Ikamvelihle area,” she said. “Members acted swiftly on the information and arrested the first suspect at the Mjondolo informal settlement.”

Janse van Rensburg added that further information was followed up, which led members to NU 9, where an iPhone was recovered. “The cellphone was subsequently linked to a robbery in which it was allegedly stolen from its owner in NU 7,” she said.

She added that the investigation continued and members proceeded to Makhotyana Street, where suspects allegedly retaliated against the police.

“Members managed to overpower the suspects, resulting in the recovery of two firearms and live ammunition, as well as property allegedly stolen during a business robbery at a barber shop,” she said.

“Three suspects, aged between 22 and 29 years, were arrested and are facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property and business robbery.”

Janse van Rensburg stated that during the operation, police recovered a 9mm firearm with five live rounds of ammunition and a 9mm short firearm with six live rounds of ammunition.

“An iPhone and other property allegedly linked to previous robberies were also recovered,” she said. “The serial numbers of the recovered firearms are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.”

Janse van Rensburg also noted that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives following up on information that could link the suspects to other serious and violent crimes committed within the Motherwell Cluster.

“All three suspects are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court during the week,” she said.

The Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the Task Team for their commitment and swift response to information received.

“The recovery of illegal firearms is a significant step towards disrupting criminal activities and preventing further violent crimes within the community,” Ngalo said.

“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing SAPS with information relating to criminal activities in their communities. Such information remains crucial in assisting police to identify suspects, recover stolen property and illegal firearms, and bring perpetrators before the courts,” concluded the statement.

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