In efforts to eradicate illegal firearms and make the communities safer, police in the Nelson Mandela Bay District adopted a zero tolerance approach and are making “significant strides”.
“Our SAPS members displayed commitment and dedication and did not allow the criminals any space to move during the week and recovered seven firearms in unrelated incidents,” said Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, police spokesperson.
On Sunday, 2 July at approximately 22:10 in Dinsmore Road, Schaurderville, SAPS Gelvandale members was executing crime prevention duties when they noticed a man wearing a dark blue jacket and blue jeans, acting suspicious.
“The members approached the suspect and during the search they confiscated a Rossi .38 special firearm (serial number filed off) with ten .38 special rounds of ammunition. The suspect (25) was arrested on charges of possession of prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition,” Janse van Rensburg said.
In another unrelated arrest in Gelvandale on Thursday, 6 July at approximately 16:00 in Stanford Road, Korsten, police who were busy patrolling the area, noticed a suspect carrying something on his waist.
“The members approached the suspect and during the search they confiscated a 9mm firearm and 15 rounds of ammunition. The suspect, aged 30, was unable to provide a firearm license and was detained on charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
“Also on Thursday at approximately 20:20 in Koyana Road, Zwide, SAPS members of Public Order Police (POP) were performing duties in Kwazakele area when they noticed a VW Polo driving in front of them. The vehicle was stopped during a routine search and a 9mm Lugamso firearm with one magazine and 11 rounds of ammunition were found in the driver’s door. The 35-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”
On Saturday, 8 July during a high density operation in Gunguluza area, Bantom street, police members stopped a taxi.
“They noticed that the driver placed an object in the side panel of the door before exiting the vehicle. During the search, the members confiscated a 9mm firearm and the suspect, aged 29 years, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.”
SAPS Bethelsdorp also recovered three firearms during crime prevention operations, however, no one was arrested and enquiries were opened for further investigation.
“The arrested suspects have or will be appearing in their respective courts soon.”
