PARKTOWN – Gauteng Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has commended the quick response by the members on the ground which led to the arrest of two suspects and recovery of two unlicensed firearms in Jeppe yesterday, 09 February 2020 at about 21:00.

Police were responding on a tip-off of two suspicious cars parked on a pavement in Berea road in Jeppe. The members noticed the cars and suspects started shooting at the police, members returned fire two suspects were shot and arrested. One suspect later died, the second suspect taken to hospital.

During the arrest police recovered two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The two cars were impounded as the suspects fled on foot to different directions.

Meanwhile in West Rand District police recovered 14 unlicensed firearms. Seven of these firearms were recovered in Kagiso, three in Randfontein and others in Westonaria during the operation. More than 34 suspects were arrested for various crimes and for being illegal immigrants in the West Rand District during the rural operation.

The illegal firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish linkage to previous serious and violent crimes. The arrested suspect will appear in Johannesburg and Krugersdorp Magistrate Courts soon.

Owners of illegal and/or unwanted firearms are reminded that the firearm amnesty period is still underway and will run through to end of May 2020.

Source: South African Police Service