Police in Gqeberha are resolute in their commitment in eradicating illegal firearms in their communities.
Since May 2022, over 100 firearms were confiscated and seized across the metro. This weekend, police recovered two firearms, two replica guns and an air rifle.
On Friday evening, 8 July 2022, SAPS Mount Road members were patrolling in Govan Mbeki Avenue when they noticed a suspicious looking male standing in a dark corner of the street. On seeing the police vehicle, the 28 year male started running. The members chased after him and found on his possession two replica firearms, an air rifle, a madrax tablet and a small quantity of cocaine. He was arrested and detained for possession of drugs and possession of a dangerous weapon.
Also on Saturday, 9 July 2022 at about 23:45, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit members were patrolling in Bloemendal when they spotted an unknown male walking down Scholtz Street with his hands in the pocket, when the police van stopped next to him, he withdrew a firearm from his waist and started running with police hot on his heels. As he jumped over a yard, he dropped the firearm and disappeared. A 9mm pistol with 8 rounds was recovered. Ownership is yet to be determined. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.
During the early hours of this morning, 10 July 2022 (00:40), Anti-Gang Unit members were patrolling in Bellflower Road Ext 31 in Bethelsdorp when they spotted an 18 year old male running across the street. When he saw the police vehicle, he hid himself behind a boundary wall. The members approached him and on searching him, a revolver and 16 rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The teenager was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for testing.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the confiscation and arrests. He re-iterated that ‘our members will be remain unyielding in our stance in eradicating and removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminals.’
Source: South African Police Service