Concerted efforts by police to rid communities of firearms which threatens the safety of the public led to the arrest of five suspects after an unlicensed firearm was found in their possession by Garden Route Flying Squad members. The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance today.
On Friday, 16 June 2023 at about 19:30, members attached to the Garden Route District Flying Squad operationalised information about a Volkswagen Golf involved in illegal activities. They strategically deployed themselves and noticed the vehicle entering Mossel Bay from the N2 highway. The vigilant members brought the vehicle to a halt and proceeded with a search. The Members found a revolver with ammunition as well as two imitation firearms concealed in the vehicle. All occupants were subsequently arrested for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The suspects aged between 19 and 35 are in custody, and are scheduled to appear in the Mossel bay Magistrate’s Court today.
In an unrelated matter, on Saturday, 17 June 2023, the same team followed up information regarding drug related activities at a house at Lang Street, Kranshoek near Plettenberg Bay. A search of the premises led to the confiscation of 22 mandrax tablets, 18 halves, 28 quarters, 5 gram of tik and 24 bankies of dagga. Two suspects aged 35 and 36 were subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs.
Yesterday, Sunday, 18 June 2023, the team were deployed in Plettenberg Bay when they acted on a tip-off from the public and pounced on a house at Charlotte Ross Street in Kranshoek. The Flying Squad members confiscated a small quantity of drugs and arrested the occupant of the premises for possession of drugs.
The suspects will appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’s Court once charged.
These arrests and confiscations are in line with the proactive policing approach of the Western Cape, CEPPAT, with the ultimate aim to safeguard communities. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, lauded the members for their efforts to rid rural communities of firearms and drugs.
Source: South African Police Service