GQEBERHA – The South African Police Service is committed in ensuring that all people within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan ARE and FEEL safe and will not hesitate to stamp the authority of the state in all corners of the Metro.
Since the beginning of October, a total of 32 illegal firearms were confiscated with at least four firearms recovered in last week alone. Operations conducted on a weekly basis have seen many criminals behind bars.
On Friday, 21 October 2022, between 04:00 and 12:00, SAPS Bethelsdorp detectives yielded positive results in apprehending suspects wanted in their investigations. A total of 11 suspects were arrested for serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm among other crimes. Likewise, during Operation Sikhona held last week, SAPS Walmer detectives arrested 25 suspects wanted in their precinct for crimes such as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs, drunken driving, possession of suspected stolen property, burglary (business) and theft.
The Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) members also recovered two firearms with arrests in separate incidents during the weekend. In the first incident, on Friday, 21 October 2022 at about 15:45, AGU members received and acted on information of a person in possession of a firearm in a vehicle in Salsoneville. The vehicle was spotted in Smilex Street however when they found no-one in the vehicle, the members patrolled the area in search of the suspect. He was found at a nearby club and a 9mm pistol and 7 rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The 23-year-old gang affiliate was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
Also on Sunday, 23 October 2022 at about 15:00, AGU members responded to a shooting incident in Bramlin Markman Street in Barcelona. They noticed a male with a firearm in his hand and pursued after him on foot and vehicle. As the suspect ran into a yard in Uranus Street, he turned around and pointed the firearm at the police officer. Shots were fired at the suspect, injuring him in both lower legs. A 9mm pistol and ammunition were confiscated. The firearm was reported stolen in Cambridge in January 2019. The 31-year-old suspect was arrested and detained on charges of pointing of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Operation Sikhona continued to yield results when SAPS Ikamvelihle members arrested a 40-year-old suspect after executing a search warrant at a house in Naidoo Street in Ikamvelihle. A total of 91 packets of tik, 13 mandrax tablets, 116 dagga rolls and cash were seized. The estimated street value of the drugs is R8000-00. The suspect was detained on a charge of dealing in drugs.
All the arrested suspects have appeared or will be appearing in their respective magistrate courts within the metro.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the arrests and applauded the persistence of both the detective members as well as the operational members on the ground. ‘The arrest of one criminal or even the recovery of one illegal firearm could spare the life of an innocent person. The remarkable and impressive recovery of 32 illegal firearms in October thus far, continue to manifest as our devoted men and women in blue sweep the streets to rid communities of illegal weapons,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.
Source: South African Police Service