GQEBERHA – The relentless efforts by police officers in the NMB district is yielding the desired results as illegal firearms are recovered almost daily in the metro.

This past week a total of 22 illegal firearms were removed from criminals.

On Thursday, 08 September 2022 at about 20:30, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in St Elizabeth Street in Ext 28 when they noticed a suspect acting suspiciously. Member conducted a search of the suspect leading to the recovery of a firearm and seven rounds of ammunition. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

In an unrelated incident, on Monday, 12 September 2022 at about 14:30, SAPS Gelvandale Crime Prevention members responded to gunshots being heard at the corners of Martin and Kobus Road in Helenvale. The 22-year-old suspect was spotted running towards Sagard Street with a firearm in his hand. While running, he tossed the firearm in the bushes. He was apprehended and a pistol and four rounds of ammunition were recovered. The suspect was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Also on Monday, 12 September 2022 at about 18:20, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in Jennicker Street in Arcadia when they noticed three males standing in front of a house. When the members stopped their unmarked police vehicle, they noticed that one of the male’s had a firearm in his hand. The male, on realising that it was the police, ran into the house and locked the door. He was arrested and a 9mm pistol with nine rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The suspect was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

All the confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Source: South African Police Service