WESTERN CAPE – Police operations by our respective units to ensure that offenders are brought to book in this province, resulted in the arrest of two suspects on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police members of the Provincial Extortion Task Team followed up on information on Saturday, 29 October 2022 in Lwandle. Upon arrival at the address in Majola Street at around 21:30, they found an unknown man at home, who admitted that he is in possession of a firearm which belongs to a relative. The police searched the premises and confiscated a 9 mm Norinco pistol with ammunition including one shotgun round found hidden in a crate. The man could not provide a valid licence to be in possession of the firearm and ammunition and refused to disclose the identity of his relative, whom he claimed to be the lawful owner of the firearm. The 46 years old man, who happened to be a member of the South African Police Service in Lwandle, was arrested and detained on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, defeating the ends of justice and negligent safekeeping of a firearm.

In the early hours of Monday, 31 October 2022, police members of the Anti-Gang Unit deployed in Lost City, Mitchells Plain to combat the ongoing gang violence, responded to information indicating that a suspect with a firearm was hiding at a nearby address. The platoon proceeded to Mosterthoek Street. When they approached the residence, an unknown man fled the scene with police members in pursuit. They apprehended the man and confiscated a 9mm Pietro Beretta Pistol with ammunition. The 35 year old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Once charged the suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Strand and Mitchells Plain Magistrate courts on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service