Concentrating on stock theft, unlawful possession of firearms, possession and dealing in drugs in Mthatha, Qumbu, Bityi and Sulenkama areas, Operation Sustainability was conducted from Thursday 20 June 2019 Saturday 22 June 2019 where 8 suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen stock, possession and dealing in drugs and selling liquor without license. During the operation that was conducted by the Provincial TRT and Mthatha Cluster members:-

* A 36-year-old foreign national was arrested following up information that he was unlawfully in possession of a 9mm pistol with no ammunition at Old Lindile locality in Mthatha.

* 20 Cattle were recovered by police after they received information that a number of heavily armed men were crossing with the cattle at Mahlungulu location in Qumbu and when police arrived at the locality, the suspects already fled the scene leaving behind the stolen stock. It was impounded at Qumbu and anyone with information may contact Qumbu Stock Theft Commander on 083 603 1001.

* A 28-year-old man was arrested for possession of a 9mm Star pistol with 4 rounds at Mahlungulu location in Qumbu.

* A 28-year-old man was arrested for possession of a 9mm Star pistol with 30 rounds at Belekence locality in Qumbu and his 30-year-old brother who is his neighbour was also arrested for possession of a 9mm Star pistol with 30 rounds.

* A 24-year-old man was arrested after he was found in possession of 30 Mandrax at New Homes in Qumbu.

* A 48-year-old man was arrested at New Homes in Qumbu after he was found in possession of 91 dagga sachets with the street value of R910, an amount of R600,00 in cash and 4 cases of beer.

* A 45-year-old man was arrested at Nyibeni locality in Bityi after he was found in possession of a Musler Shotgun with 4 shells, 5 A� 9mm pistol rounds and 20 A� R5 Rifle rounds.

* A 26-year-old man was arrested at Sithaleni locality Gqukunqa Administrative Area in Sulenkama after he was found in possession of a suspected stolen horse which was allegedly stolen at Ngojini locality in Mount Frere during the beginning of this month.

* Lastly, during a stock raid in Sulenkama, 2 horses were found straying at Small Farms locality Nontyankashe in Sulenkama. They were impounded at Qumbu Stock Pound and anyone who might be looking for them may contact Lt Col Sigcau at Qumbu Stock Theft Unit on 083 603 1001.

All the suspects will be caused to appear before court soon. They will be profiled to investigate whether they cannot be linked to other crimes and the firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.

“Our word of appreciation to our communities that always give out the information to us. Without your assistance we’re nothing. Let’s together squeeze the space for criminals. Together we can do more. I also commend all the operators for these successes. Confiscating one firearm is saving many lives of our citizens” said the Acting Cluster Commander, Brigadier Mandlakhe Twala.

Source: South African Police Service