Gqeberha: 13 September 2022 - The relentless efforts by police officers in the NMB district is yielding the desired results as illegal firearms are recovered almost daily in the metro.
Since 5-12 September 2022, twenty two (22) illegal firearms were removed from criminals and confiscated.
On Thursday, 8/09 at about 20:30, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in St Elizabeth Street in Ext 28 when they noticed the 25 year old suspect near a drug post. They stopped their vehicle and on searching him, they recovered a 9mm pistol and 7 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
In an unrelated incident, on Monday, 12 September 2022 at about 14:30,SAPS Gelvandale Crime Prevention members responded to gunshots being heard at the corners of Martin and Kobus Road in Helenvale. The 22 year old suspect was spotted running towards Sagard Street with a firearm in his hand. While running, he tossed the firearm in the bushes. He was apprehended and a 7.65 pistol and 4 rounds of ammunition were recovered. The suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Also on Monday, 12/09 at about 18:20, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in Jennicker Street in Arcadia when they noticed three males standing in front of a house. When the members stopped their unmarked police vehicle, they noticed that one of the male’s had a firearm in his hand. The male, on realising that it was the police, ran into the house and locked the door. He was arrested and a 9mm pistol with 9 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The suspect was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
All the confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.