EASTERN CAPE – Members of Barkly-East Visible Policing Unit were busy with crime prevention patrols in town on the first day of the new month as part of increasing police visibility. Their activities included the stop and search of vehicles and pedestrians.
When they stopped a taxi from Matatiele on the way to Welkom, the taxi driver indicated that he is experiencing a problem with a drunk and disorderly passenger.
Police then requested the passenger to get out, and upon searching him found an unlawful firearm and ammunition in his possession.
The passenger could not provide any proof of ownership of the firearm with a filed off serial number. The 35-year-old suspect was arrested and will appear at Aliwal North Magistrate’s court on 3 September 2020.
Investigation continues. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members on their attentiveness and for confiscating the firearm. “Illegal firearms are seen in a very serious light by the SAPS and must be removed from the hands of unlawful owners.”

Source: South African Police Service