The new multi-disciplinary approach to safety and security at OR Tambo International Airport has resulted in the arrest of seven suspects in three incidents on Thursday, while numerous weapons as well as drugs had been confiscated.
This interdepartmental approach was established to root out criminals and criminality in and around the airport.
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In the latest incident, four suspects were arrested in a crime intelligence driven operation as part of an integrated effort to foil follow-home robberies and other crimes in the area on Thursday night.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale, police spokesperson, Thursday night’s operation was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team from Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Trio Task Team and other stakeholders.
The team received information regarding suspects allegedly involved in a recent spate of robberies. During patrols on the R24 and R21, a suspicious vehicle was identified and followed at about 8pm.
“When the members attempted to stop the vehicle, the occupants fired at them. The members returned fire and disabled the vehicle, causing it to come to a halt on the R21 north just before the Atlas Road off-ramp.
“Four suspects were arrested and three unlicensed firearms were recovered. The suspects will appear in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges including attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The investigations are continuing and there is a possibility that the suspects could be linked to other crimes,” Mogale said.
These arrests and seizure of firearms came shortly after three other successes during which three suspects were arrested, five unlicensed firearms recovered and a large consignment of drugs were recovered.
Also on Thursday at about 1.30pm, members of the Gauteng Flying squad on patrol along the N3 in the Germiston area noticed a white VW Golf 7 GTI with KZN registration plates. The vehicle was being driven recklessly at high speed towards Pretoria. Members immediately gave chase and were able to stop the suspicious vehicle.
“Upon searching the vehicle, the members found three unlicensed firearms – an AK47 with ammunition in the magazine as well as additional ammunition inside a bag, an R5 rifle with ammunition in a magazine, a 9mm pistol with ammunition as well as extra ammunition in a bag,” Mogale said.
Both occupants of the vehicle, aged 35 and 50 years, were arrested and will appear in the Palm Ridge court on charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and possibly a suspected stolen vehicle.
In another incident on the N12 between Jet Park and Kraft road off-ramps, police members picked up a suspicious white BMW. The vehicle was stopped and the police discovered it had false Free State registration number.
When the vehicle check was done, it was discovered it was hijacked in Norkem Park two months ago. Police also discovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition. The suspect was arrested.
Drugs found
Members of the DPCI and Customs officials intercepted a consignment of hair products, including shampoo, at the cargo section of the airport on Thursday.
During verification of the cargo, tests were conducted on the shampoo and a positive result for cocaine was achieved. The consignment, with an estimated weight of 200kg and an estimated street value of R50-million, was seized. The consignment was destined for Australia from Sao Paolo.
No arrest was made in this regard but investigations are continuing.
