Port Elizabeth: Criminals in Nelson Mandela Bay metro can run but they cannot hide for long as the police make sure that they are removed from society and kept behind bars.
On Thursday, 18/02 detective officers from all stations within the metro effectively arrested 34 suspects wanted in cases ranging from housebreaking, possession of drugs/firearms, assault, theft, attempted murder, robbery, house robbery and kidnapping.
The recovery of illegal firearms is a result of the efforts of the men and women in blue who constantly strive to ensure that these firearms are taken off the hands of criminals.
Since Monday, 15/02 to this morning, 19/02, six firearms were confiscated and four suspects arrested across the metro in separate incidents.
In the latest incident, on Thursday, 18/02 at approximately 12:00 , PE Flying squad members followed up information in connection with a firearm at a premises in Seysi Street in New Brighton. A 9mm Norinco pistol with ammunition was seized. The firearm was reported stolen in Bethelsdorp in June 2014. No arrests were made and an enquiry docket was opened.
Also on Thursday, 18/02, PE Flying Squad, K9 Unit and SAPS Ikamvelihle Crime Prevention unit members arrested two suspects in an intelligence driven operation held last night, 18/02 in the Ikamvelihle area. At about 20:00,the team followed up on information that two suspects were parked in a white VW Golf at a bus stop in Buthelezi Street. The information was immediately operationalised and the suspected vehicle spotted. Two firearms were recovered and the two males were arrested.
While conducting disruptive searches on 18/02 in Shauderville, Anti-Gang Unit members stopped a suspicious BMW vehicle at the corners of Roos Street and Searle Road. On searching the vehicle , a pistol was found under the front passenger seat. No arrest were made . The serial number of the firearm was filed off. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.
A stolen pistol was also recovered on Wednesday 17/02 by Anti-Gang Unit members and Public Order Policing while conducting patrols in the hotspot areas in Bethelsdorp. It is alleged that at about 13:15, a white Datsun Go with four occupants were pulled over in St Dominic Street in West End. A 23-year-old male got out of the vehicle and started to run. As he ran, he took out a firearm from his pants and threw it over the fence. With the assistance of Public Order Policing members, the suspect was arrested. The serial number was filed off. The suspect was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
The sixth firearm was recovered last night , 18/02 when a 17-year-old teenager shot at police in Kamesh. It is alleged that at about 19:30, police were busy at a crime scene in Mooimeisie Street when they noticed three males approaching around the corner. It is further alleged that these males were all armed. When they saw the police, they started running. The police officer chased after them. The teenager suddenly stopped and fired at the pursuing policeman. The police officer fired a shot towards the suspect hitting him in the thigh. He was arrested for attempted murder. A .357 magnum revolver with four rounds was confiscated. The teenager is expected to appear in court soon on charges of attempted murder, possession of prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
All the arrested suspects will appear in their respective courts soon.
Acting Mount Road Cluster Commander, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso commended the efforts of all the police officers who went the extra mile in ensuring the safety of the communities they serve. ‘These illegal firearms at the hands of felons have a devastating impact on serious and violent crimes. We will not give criminals the space to undermine the authority of the State. Every endeavour will be made to arrest and secure their attendance in court. Criminals who believe that they can attack our police officers who are committed to their vocation of serving and protecting will face the full brunt of the law,’ added Brig Kupiso.