Media Statement from Eastern Cape Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

14 April 2014

KING WILLIAM'S TOWN- Mthatha SAPS intelligence-driven operation proved fruitful when two (2) suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Saturday, 12 April 2014. The two male suspects aged 26 and 28 will appear in Mthatha Magistrates' Court tomorrow, 15 April 2014 on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The suspects were found in possession of two (2) R5 rifles, two (2) Revolvers with 5 rounds, one (1) 7.65 mm pistol with a rubbed off Serial number, one (1) shotgun. The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to check if they had not been used in the commissioning of crime.

Other items that were found in the possession of the suspects included one (1) laptop, one (1) card scheming device, two (2) Identity Books without the owners' pictures, plain/empty cards from Sassa and one ( 1) car (Silver Grey Polo) which was reported stolen from Kamesh area.

One of the suspects has already been profiled and he was directly linked to twelve (12) cases of armed robbery which were committed in rural towns like Ngcobo, Port St Johns, Mqanduli, Ngqeleni , Mthatha etc. There is a high possibility that the more charges can be added at a later stage.

More arrests are eminent as there is reasonable suspicion that the two suspects form part of a bigger syndicate which has been operating in the area.

The investigation continues.

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Media Enquiries:

Lt Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela
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