PORT ELIZABETH - POLICE RECOVER STOLEN FIREARMS ACROSS NELSON MANDELA BAY

The concerted efforts of our members in stamping the authority of the State by removing illegal and stolen firearms is proving to be successful as 4 firearms, 2 replica firearms and a replica gas pistol were recovered from criminals in just one day.

On Friday, 22 November 2019 at about 09:45, Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) members executed a search warrant at a house in Siwa Street in Kwazakele. A 35 year old male was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.  A 9mm pistol and 7 rounds of ammunition was recovered. The firearm was reported stolen in Mount Road in April 2018.

At about 11:40, PE Flying Squad and K9 unit members were patrolling in Durban Road in Korsten when they spotted an Opel Kadett attempting to avoid a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) conducted by SAPS Gelvandale and Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU). The members recognised the driver and they succeeded in blocking off the vehicle.  The driver attempted to remove a firearm from his waist but was apprehended. A .22 pistol with no serial number was seized. He was arrested for prohibited possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

While still busy at the scene, the members received information of another fire arm allegedly hidden in a gutter on the roof of a house in Roman Close in Booysens Park. A .22 Remington rifle and a 9mm silver replica gas pistol was found. No one was arrested and an enquiry docket was opened for further investigation

Also at about 16:00, AGU members followed up on information and searched a house in Barberry Drive in Ext 31 in Bethelsdorp. A 16 year old was arrested and detained on a charge of prohibited possession of a firearm.  A revolver with no serial number was recovered.

All the arrested suspects will appear in the respective courts on Monday, 25 November 2019.

The removal of these illegal firearms from the hands of criminals is a step closer in curbing serious and violent crimes as well as gang related activities. The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga added that, “The SAPS will continue in our efforts to fight the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition as they pose a threat to the safety of our citizens in the Northern areas.”