In a series of crackdowns over the weekend, Gqeberha police arrested several individuals for crimes including possession of unlicensed firearms and handling suspected stolen property.
The operations, which took place across different locations within the Nelson Mandela Bay District, led to the apprehension of suspects caught with firearms and ammunition, as well as one individual found with stolen copper cable valued at approximately R 76,000.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Andree Beetge, in the first incident, on Saturday, May 11 at approximately 15:00, SAPS Swartkops crime prevention unit members while patrolling saw a grey Suzuki Celerio with passengers acting very suspicious at a petrol station in Addo Road, Motherwell. On searching the occupants, a 34-year-old male was arrested after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, a .38 special revolver, and ammunition.
Beetge also reported that on the same day, at about 13:40, SAPS Walmer were patrolling in Walmer township when shots were heard at a funeral event.
“Suspicious vehicles were followed to the multi-purpose centre on Fountain Road. Passengers were searched as they got out of the vehicles.
“A 27-year-old female was found in possession of a 9mm pistol which she hid in her undergarments,” Beetge added.
She was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Beetge further added that on Friday, May 10 at approximately 09:30, members of SAPS Motherwell noticed a Toyota Quantum minibus in the bushes behind a school in Shukushukuma, Motherwell.
“There was also smoke emanating close to them and as the members approached them, an unknown number of suspects started to flee into the dense bushes.
“After a brief chase, the police members managed to apprehend a 32-year-old male suspect.”
“On closer inspection, copper cable to the value of about R 76 000 were confiscated,” Beetge concluded.
The suspect was then arrested for the illegal possession of suspected stolen property.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata sends out a clear message to criminals that the SAPS is dedicated in bringing criminals to book. “The dedication and successes achieved by our members, is due to constant police presence and high visibility patrols in hotspot station areas.”
