Mfuleni, 15 July 2023 - Last night, Friday, 14 July 2023, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) of the SAPS East District received reliable information from the Mfuleni SAPS Crime Intelligence regarding the presence of illegal firearms. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the AGU conducted a search operation at two addresses located in Kabega Street, Wesbank.
During the operation, three zip guns, one 9mm round, and cleaning rods were seized. Additionally, two males, aged 21 and 23, were apprehended at the scene for possession of imitation firearms. Further investigation revealed that the premises were being used for the production of imitation firearms, as various firearm components were found.
These successes form part of the ongoing intensified operations in the Wesbank area following the shooting incident on Thursday morning, 13 July 2023, at approximately 09:30 in Rowallan Street, Wesbank, where a 9-year-old girl was hit by a stray bullet in the head while playing in her, as a result of clashes between the 28-Horrible and 28-Mobster gang groups.
Later that Thursday evening, at around 18:45 in Wesbank, members of Mfuleni SAPS Crime Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) and Crime Intelligence (CI) arrested two juveniles, aged 17, who are affiliated with the 28-Mobster gang. These arrests were made possible through the retrieval of vital information and witness statements.
In addition to the successful arrests of the suspects involved in the shooting of the 9-year-old girl and the imitation firearms, Mfuleni police station's Crime Prevention teams, shift members, Law Enforcement personnel, and additional High Density police members conducted extensive operations in the areas of Wesbank, Driftsands, Bardale, Summerville, Camelot, and Happy Valley. Multiple suspects were apprehended for various other crimes, and operations included the execution of roadblocks, search warrants, and stop-and-search operations. Numerous individuals were found in possession of illicit substances, including tik and mandrax tablets, as well as dangerous weapons such as knives. Intensified blue light patrols were also conducted with the cooperation of various neighborhood watch groups, ensuring increased visibility during various hours of the day and evening.
All apprehended suspects will face various charges and are scheduled to appear before the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on Monday, 17 July 2023.
In an unrelated incident, Mfuleni SAPS received information from the community regarding a suspicious vehicle in the Covid-19 informal settlement. Subsequent investigations revealed that the vehicle had been hijacked earlier that day in Lingelethu West. Although no suspects have been arrested in relation to this incident, the information provided by the community assisted in recovering the stolen vehicle, which has become a major concern in the Mfuleni policing precinct.
Brigadier Fana Dlamini, the Mfuleni SAPS Station Commander, emphasized that the South African Police Service, along with its law enforcement partners, remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. "We sincerely appreciate the continuous support and cooperation of the community in reporting criminal activities and providing vital information to our law enforcement agencies," he said. Together, we can build a safer Mfuleni policing precinct.