Gqeberha: 21 May 2023 - Police officers patrolling in the gang stricken Northern and hotspot areas in the metro are vigilant and alert to any suspicious persons or movement and will act on their intuition to ensure that firearms are taken out of the hands of criminals.
In separate incidents on Saturday, 20/05 two persons were arrested with illegal firearms. In the first incident, at about 21:30, SAPS Gelvandale Crime Prevention members were patrolling in Dinsmore Road in Schauderville when they noticed a man dressed in dark clothing. As they stopped, the police vehicle, the person started running. Members were hot on his heels, and noticed that as he ran, he threw something on the ground. He was apprehended. A 9mm pistol, 7 rounds of ammunition and a small packet of Khat were confiscated. The 18 year old teenager is detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as possession of drugs.
Also, on the same evening, at about 23:35, Gqeberha K9 unit assisted by the Flying Squad members stopped a white VW Golf with four male occupants in the Walmer area. As the vehicle stopped, members noticed some fidgeting in the vehicle. The occupants were taken out and searched. A 43 year old male was arrested with possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Also in another incident, SAPS Gelvandale members also arrested a 27 year old male on Thursday 18/05 on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm. It is alleged that while members were patrolling, they noticed the suspect exiting a drug post in Koedoe Street. The suspect was stopped and on searching his sling bag, a 9mm pistol was found.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the respective magistrate courts on Monday, 22/05. The confiscated firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.
In the last three months, police in Nelson Mandela Bay have recovered over 150 illegal firearms.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata applauded the efforts of the members in the metro and reiterated that police will continue to focus on the proliferation of illegal firearms in the hotspot areas.