KING WILLIAM’S TOWN – A collaborative team effort and good work by members from Tactical Response Team (TRT), Bityi, Qumbu and Idutywa SAPS assisted by Crime Intelligence members were handsomely rewarded when a joint operation was conducted and search warrants executed at Lambatho Location and Krakra Admin Area, Mqanduli in the early hours of 08 June 2020.
The operation, aimed at fighting the proliferation of illegal weapons and stock theft in rural towns of Mqanduli, Bityi, Butterworth, Mthatha and Qumbu yielded dividends when three suspects aged 21, 49 and 53 years were arrested.
The first suspect, the 53-year-old was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with one (1) magazine as well as nine (9) live rounds. He was arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of prohibited firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property. Upon further search police also found a Bersa Thunder 9mm pistol (serial number filed off) with 1 magazine and 3 rounds, 14 loose 9mm rounds, two (2) red short gun rounds and empty magazine as well as a police-issued bullet resistant vest.
The second suspect, the 21-year-old was arrested after he was found in possession of a Musler shotgun.
The third suspect, aged 49 years was found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, a shotgun with four (4) red shotgun rounds.
All suspects are expected to appear at the Mqanduli Magistrates Court on 09 June 2020 facing respective charges.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga welcomed the arrest and commended the recovery of illegal weapons. “Each illegal weapon off the street and removed from criminal hands is a step closer to our objective of eradicating the proliferation of illegal weapons thus making our province safer,” said the Provincial Commissioner.

Source: South Africa Police Service