QUMBU – Members of the Tactical Response Team deployed at Qumbu with were busy following up information about unlicensed firearms when they received information about a shooting that took place at Katkop where one person was shot and killed.
In this incident, it was alleged that the suspects was driving a maroon Toyota Corolla towards Qumbu direction. The team from Qumbu proceed driving in the direction towards Sulenkama. At about 1km north on the N2, the maroon Toyota Corolla with Reg No: CY 153827 was pulled over by Qumbu SAPS vehicles with three suspects outside the vehicle.
One of the suspects noticed the TRT Vehicles stopping at the scene he ran into the forest with TRT members in pursuit, hot on the heels of the the suspect without success. The two remaining suspects were handed over to Qumbu SAPS members.
The two suspects, aged between 35-45 years old, were arrested and charged for murder, illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
• One (01) 9mm Norinco pistol with one (01) magazine containing five(05) live rounds.
• One (01) Silver and black Norinco Star Pistol.
• One (01) maroon Toyota Corolla.
In another operation, TRT members and Mthatha Operational Command Center (OCC) led by Sgt Siyotula followed up information about an unlicensed Firearm.
A 62-year-old, male suspect from Zilandala Location, Qumbu was arrested and charged
Suspect was arrested and detained at Qumbu SAPS for unlawful possession of Firearms.
• One Z.88 Vector 9mm Pistol with 2 magazines,
• 1 x Norinco with 2 magazines.
• Seventy (70) 9mm Luger Live rounds.
• One 303 Rifle and
• Fourteen (14) 303 live rounds.
Mthatha LCRC processed the exhibits. All these firearms will be taken to a ballistic test to ascertain its earlier use in the commitment of crime.
All the suspects are expected to appear at Qumbu Magistrates court tomorrow facing respective charges.
Information was received from Flagstaff Detectives about suspects in Mthontsasa Policing area who are believed to be in possession of unlicensed firearms.
At Marhamzeni locality, Lower Hlabathi Addmin area arrest was effected on a suspect aged 57-year-old after he was found in possession of prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
One CZ75 9mm parabellum pistol with one magazine and two (2) rounds of live ammunition and a brown leather holster.
Suspect will appear at Mthontsasa periodical court on 25 August 2020.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members for the recovery and arrests. “We are in a mission to remove all firearms in illegal hands,” she said.
Source: South African Police Service
