The continued recovery and seizure of firearms is a direct result of intensified crime prevention operations, police visibility and information from community in our efforts to deny criminals possession of prohibited and unlicensed firearms.
Sunday, 10 July 2022, members of the Anti-Gang Unit Combat Team followed up on information received of a possible firearm at a house in Chopin Street, Retreat. The members responded immediately and a thorough search was conducted at the premises. A revolver was found buried in an ice cream container in the backyard in front of a Wendy House. A 20-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. A revolver and six rounds of ammunition was confiscated and booked in as exhibits.
A tracing of wanted persons operation was conducted where the team proceeded to several addresses in the precinct. The members arrested three suspects, a 29-year-old and two suspects age 20 on a Steenberg murder and attempted murder case.
On Saturday, 9 July 2022, members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an operations in the Atlantis policing area. During the intelligence driven operation, members conducted a search at a residence in Paragon Street, Avondale, Atlantis where a revolver with five rounds of ammunition was seized. A 23-year-old male was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
During the same operation a second 9mm firearm and six rounds was found abandoned in a lane between Rozetta Street and Paragon Street, Avondale, Atlantis, this firearms serial number had been removed. Police have opened an enquiry for further investigation. No persons have been arrested.
The confiscated firearms will be send for forensic examination in order to determine if they were used during previous reported firearm related offences. Once charged the suspects are expected to appear in the Wynberg and Atlantis Magistrates courts on the mentioned charges.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Patekile commended the members for their efforts in ensuring that illegal firearms are out of circulation. He also thanked the community for their support in reporting crime. “Every illegal firearm confiscated, is a weapon that is no longer available to be used in the commission of a serious crime. These confiscations are an indication that every endeavour is made by our members to reduce the proliferation of unlawful firearms from the hands of lawbreakers,” added Lt Gen Patekile
Source: South African Police Service