Four firearms recovered in unrelated incidents during the week
In our efforts to eradicate illegal firearms and make our communities safer, the SAPS in Nelson Mandela Bay District adopted a zero tolerance approach and are making significant strides. Our SAPS members displayed commitment and dedication and did not allow the criminals any space to move during the week and recovered four firearms in unrelated incidents.
In the first incident on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at approximately 11:00 SAPS Kwadwesi members were busy patrolling Nxudu Street, Govan Mbeki when they noticed a group of approximately nine (9) people exiting two vehicles with firearms. When the suspects noticed the police vehicle, they pointed the members with the firearms, and ran back to their vehicles and fled. A high speed chase ensued and in Gcina Street, some of the suspects jumped out and fled on foot. The members continued to chase after the vehicle and in Dano Street, when the driver stopped the vehicle and jumped out, he was arrested. An unlicensed firearm was found in his possession. The suspect (18) was detained on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm, pointing of firearm and reckless or negligent driving.
On Thursday, 25 May 2023 at approximately 07:10 SAPS Gelvandale Tracing team were patrolling in Anita Drive, Helenvale when they noticed a male walking from Gail Road towards Anita Drive through the open field. The members stopped and as soon as the suspect noticed the police vehicle, he fled. He was apprehended but not detained. A .38 special revolver firearm was found in a yard in Anita Drive. An enquiry was opened for further investigation.
On Friday 26 May 2023 at approximately 14:35, a Cash in Transit robbery took place at a liquor store in Cape Road, Newton Park. It is alleged that a private security company collected money and as he exited the shop, the complainant was robbed. The suspect took the money bag and got into a waiting getaway Toyota bakkie that was parked outside. It is further alleged that as the suspects were fleeing shots were fired. While the crime scene was being processed, a firearm was found at the back of a bakkie that was standing at the robot in Disa Road, Newton Park. The firearm was confiscated and will be sent to the forensics for ballistic testing.
On Saturday 27 May 2023 at approximately 15:40 at the corners of Kobus and Martin Street, Anti-Gang Unit members were busy with patrols when they heard shots. The members spotted two males running. One suspect continued shooting at the police and after several warnings to stop, police fired back. The suspect (28) fell in a yard in Kobus Street, and was arrested. The members confiscated a revolver found in his possession. The suspect was wounded in his leg and received medical attention on the scene. The suspect was arrested on charges of Possession of illegal firearm, attempted murder and pointing of a firearm.
The arrested suspects have or will be appearing in their respective courts soon.
Source: South African Police Service