Tactical Response Team deployed at Qumbu arrested a 23-year-old suspect after information was received that he was negligently discharging a firearm in public during a traditional ceremony at Lower Tyira, Ndakeni location in Qumbu on Saturday, 06 February 2021.
The 23-year-old was found in possession of one firearm and one magazine.
The suspect was charged for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear at Qumbu Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 08 February 2021.
The firearm and ammunition were recovered and will be taken to a ballistic test to ascertain its earlier use in crime.
In an effort to enforce the Firearm Controls Act, the following actions were undertaken. Tactical Response Team deployed at Dutywa conducted an operation in conjunction with Butterworth Crime Intelligence raiding suspects alleged to be in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition at Ngxakaxha Adimistrative Area, Mamfeneni Locality and Mahliwane A/A, Gwadana locality in Dutywa. A firearm with two magazines with 14 rounds was recovered.
Another licensed firearm was also confiscated as the owner does not have a safe to store it.
The firearms can be claimed back when the owners have firearm safes in their houses as prescribed by the Firearm Controls Act. The safe must be inspected and approved by Dutywa Designated Firearm Officer.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga pleaded with legal firearm owners to obey the laws regulating firearm use and control. She furthermore said each recovery of an illegal firearm is a step closer to making Eastern Cape a safe place and a victory in the fight against proliferation of illegal weapons.

Source: South African Police Service