WESTERN CAPE In our quest to rid the communities of illegal firearms that are used to commit crime, the Western Cape Public Order Policing (POPS) members who were strategically deployed in one of the hotspot areas in the precinct of Nyanga recovered three prohibited firearms in Browns Farm area and the fourth one in Gugulethu.

The members were on patrol when they followed up on information about firearms that were kept in a shack in emaVambweni Informal Settlement near Sheffield Road in Browns Farm. They proceeded to the shack and a search was conducted and it led to the recovery of three firearms with no serial numbers and 42 rounds of ammunition hidden behind ceiling boards on the wall.

While members were busy, another man came to the shack seemingly to check, police questioned the man and this led them to another shack in Barcelona Informal Settlement where they also recovered another firearm, a Norrinco 45 and nine copper cables believed to be stolen in the Mitchells Plain area. The firearm is not reported stolen but it belongs to someone in the Eastern Cape. The suspect was also arrested. Further investigation continues and further arrests are imminent.

The two suspects aged 21 and 25 will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once they are charged for the possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as possession of stolen cables.

The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Yolisa Matakata commended the members for removing prohibited firearms from the communities.

Source: South African Police Service