A 33-year-old suspect was charged for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as pointing a firearm, after he was arrested by the SAPS Westville crime prevention team on Sunday night.

Westville SAPS spokesperson Captain Elizabeth Squires said the police noticed a man carrying a firearm that was protruding from his pants waistline at a petrol station in the St James Avenue area around 21:30.

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“As members got out of their vehicle and began to approach him, he began to run away, removing his firearm and pointing directly at the police officers. Members tactically took cover and continued to give chase on foot into a nearby office park. Together with members from the Durban Flying Squad they apprehended the man minutes later. He was found in possession of a 9mm Z88 pistol with the serial number filed off, loaded with 15 9mm live ammunition, in his pants pocket,” said Squires.

The suspect was charged and detained at the Westville Police Station.

Station Commander Sharon Zamantungwa Sihlangu praised the police for being vigilant and quick to arrest the suspect.

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