Suspect arrested for being in position of illegal firearm

Police in the Eastern Cape are continuing with their efforts to clamp down on cash-in-transit robberies as well as on the proliferation of illegal firearms. Last week, 33 firearms were confiscated in the province and coordinated efforts reflected the dedication of police officers in fighting the increase in illegal firearms, which often result in serious and violent crimes in communities. In the OR Tambo District, on Tuesday, at about 1 am, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Mthatha executed a search warrant at a house in Upper Ngqwarha location, Mqanduli, while following up on information about a cash-in-transit robbery, which was committed in Mqanduli on Friday, 5 July 2024. A 32-year-old man was found in possession of an Uzi rifle with ammunition. He was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. A preliminary investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen from a private security company in Mqanduli, more than three years ago (February 2021). On further questioning, the suspect led the police to a homestead in Mpunzana location, Mthatha, where a silver grey Toyota Corolla was found parked in the garage. The vehicle was positively linked to a business robbery in Sterkspruit this month. The man is due to appear in court soon on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. The suspect is expected to be later charged with robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. The firearm will be sent to ballistics for analysis, while the vehicle was impounded for further investigation. Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, welcomed the arrest and the recoveries. 'The established CIT (cash-in-transit) task team consisting of members attached to TRT, DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) and tracking team is swiftly responding to the challenges of organised crimes in the province, and is showing its u nwavering commitment to deal with CIT robberies. Police will remain committed to deal decisively with criminals,' said Mene. Source: South African Government News Agency