WESTERN CAPE: 06 JUNE 2023 - Increased visibility and intensified crime prevention operations in order to eradicate crime in the Western Cape continues through the arrests of suspects in connection with the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
On Monday evening (2023-06-05) at about 23:30 members of Philippi Crime Prevention Unit were busy with crime prevention operations at Surburg Walk Hanover Park when they spotted a blue Volkswagen Golf which was stationary in the middle of the road. They stopped next to the vehicle but before they could exit their vehicle, the driver of the blue Volkswagen Golf sped off. A high-speed chase ensued through a few streets in Hanover Park until the members managed to stop the vehicle in Summit Road Hanover Park.
Upon searching the vehicle, police found and seized a black 9mm Glock pistol without a serial number, with ammunition. Two suspects aged 21 and 50 were arrested for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition as they could not produce any documentation or license to be in possession of such firearm and ammunition.
Once charged the suspects will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on the mentioned charges.
In an unrelated matter, last night, members of Maitland Flying Squad received information about three suspicious looking persons roaming the parking area of Shoprite, Macassar.
Info was received that the persons carry a big "Spiderman" bag. The persons were monitored by SAPS members but started running when they saw the police members approaching. The suspects were chased on foot and all three were arrested. The members went to the bag and found an antique rifle in the bag. The suspects aged between 19 and 29 were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and detained at Macassar SAPS.
They are due to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates court on Thursday, 2023-06-08 on the mentioned charges.