WESTERN CAPE: Rural Flying Squad members who are strategically deployed along highways confiscated two zip guns and copper cables during unrelated incidents in and around George over the past week.

On Tuesday, 14 June 2022, the team conducted patrols on the N2 highway when they noticed a commotion between a law enforcement officer and a man. They approached the scene to provide assistance to the officer during which they proceeded with a search of the man and found a zip gun as well as a .38 special round were found his possession. The police seized the items as well as a panga and 17 meter copper cable also found in the vicinity. Police arrested the 44-year-old man on charges related to the possession of illicit firearm and ammunition. He is also facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrates’’ court on Friday, 17 June 2022.

In an unrelated matter, Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team members deployed to police crime ridden areas in Parkdene (George) on Monday, 13 June 2022, noticed a man fleeing and gave chase. In pursued they caught up with the suspect. Upon searching the suspect the police found a zip gun in his possession. The suspect, in his early thirties, was subsequently arrested on a charge of possession of an illicit firearm. He already made his first court appearance.

These arrests and confiscations forms part concerted efforts to rid communities of items which threatens the safety of the public. Targeted operations will continue in crime ridden areas to ensure that the public are and feel safe.

Source: South African Police Service