EASTERN CAPE – Quick reaction by Gqeberha Flying Squad members to information received, led to the speedy arrest of five (5) suspects as well as the confiscation of a firearm and a stolen vehicle yesterday morning, 03 April 2021.
It is alleged that at about 08:15, Flying Squad members followed up on information of possible gangsters in possession of a firearm and a possible stolen vehicle in the Windvogel area. The members patrolled the area keeping a lookout for the vehicle and not long, the red Opel Kadett was spotted. As they tried to stop it, the driver sped away however after a short chase, the vehicle was stopped in Second Street in Windvogel. One suspect jumped out and started running but was apprehended. He was found with a firearm hidden in his sleeve of his hooded jacket. The vehicle was reported stolen in Gelvandale two hours prior to the arrests.
The firearm, a silver revolver (serial number filed off) will be sent to ballistics for further analysis
All five occupants aged between 22-38 years, were detained on a charge of possession of suspected stolen vehicle while one suspect was also detained on possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
In another unrelated incident, during the early hours of Saturday morning, 03 April 2021, Anti-Gang Unit members arrested a 34-year-old suspect in possession of a firearm in Jennicker Street in Arcadia. It is alleged that at about 02:00, AGU members were patrolling in Esterhuizen Street in Arcadia when they heard gun shots in the direction of Jennicker Street. On approaching Jennicker Street, the suspect was seen running with a fire arm in his hand. Members gave chase and succeeded in apprehending him. Ownership of the firearm is yet to be determined.
The suspect is detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and will appear in the Gqeberha magistrates’ court on Tuesday, 6 April 2021.
Acting District Commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso has applauded these arrests, and reiterated that the confiscation of these firearms is resultant of the ceaseless efforts of our police officials who continue to take illegal firearms off the streets and hands of criminals. “It cannot be emphasised enough that we all need to play our part to eradicate the proliferation of firearms. The battle against crime can be won however it requires all of us to adopt a zero tolerance and this can be done by not ‘turning a blind eye’ instead communities need to work with the police to reduce the number of illegal firearms within their neighbourhoods. In this way, many lives will be saved because these illegal firearms cause pain and heartache to many law abiding and innocent people,” added Brig Kupiso.
Source: South African Police Service