PARKTOWN: 15 August 2023 - The police in Gauteng continue to strengthen their strides against the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms as they recover more than 400 firearms and approximately 7 581 ammunition for the past two weeks. The recovery are as a result of daily crime prevention actions conducted by members and intelligence driven operations including the weekly Operation Shanela. On Wednesday, 09 August 2023, members of Ekurhuleni District Crime intelligence, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Bad Boys security and Blue Hawk Tactical, operationalised information regarding illegal miners who were allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearm in Primrose area.
The information led the team to four suspects who were found in possession of a rifle with ammunition and 13 bags of gold bearing soil. All four suspects were arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of gold bearing material including bribery as one of them tried to bribe the police for his freedom. On another incident, still in Ekurhuleni District, members of Putfontein recovered a firearm with a filed off serial number after they followed up on information. Two suspects were arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearm.
In Johannesburg District, a team consisting of Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad operationalised information about individuals planning a business robbery in Diepkloof area. The identified vehicle to be used by the suspects was spotted and stopped. Three occupants were inside and when searched the police discovered a revolver with a filed off serial number and ammunition. They were all arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the police also seized the vehicle which is suspected to be used in commission of crime.
Most of the firearms are recovered during routine patrols, vehicle check points, and crime prevention operations conducted throughout the province.
Gauteng sProvincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the law enforcement members and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears E(2) project for their prompt response to tip-offs and intelligence information given to them by community members. "Recoveries of these firearms and ammunition is ascribed to partnership policing and these proves that together we can fight against crime and make our province a safe place to be", said Lt Gen Mawela.