SAPS Crime Prevention members were conducting routine patrols when they noticed a group of suspicious men standing near Msinga Flats in Germiston.

Officers stopped and searched the individuals and found that one of them was carrying an unlicensed 9mm firearm with ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm had been stolen from a patron at a tavern. The suspect was arrested and taken to Germiston SAPS for detention on November 21.

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“These operations form part of the district’s Operation Shanela II. A total of 84 suspects were arrested for contact crimes, 10 for contact-related crimes, 10 for property crimes, 30 for other serious offences, and 19 for gender-based violence,” said Ekurhuleni District communications officer, Captain Neldah Sekgobela.

“Thirty-three additional suspects were arrested by SAPS and other law enforcement agencies during the weekend phase of Operation Shanela II across the Ekurhuleni policing precincts.

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“Three illegal liquor outlets were also shut down,” said Sekgobela.

Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended SAPS members and partner law enforcement agencies for their teamwork and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the district.