A 23-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during an intelligence-driven operation in Kaalfontein Extension 23 on August 26.

The operation involved the SAPS Ivory Park Task Team, Gauteng Traffic, Crime Intelligence Ekurhuleni District and Safeguard Risk Services.

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The team acted on information about a suspect who was allegedly in possession of a firearm and linked to armed robberies in Kaalfontein and Ivory Park.

Officers proceeded to the suspect’s address, where he was found. According to police, the suspect initially directed officers to other addresses when asked about the firearm, but later admitted that it was at his residence.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela said officers returned to the address, where they found a firearm and ammunition.

“The operational team returned to his address, where a black and silver 9mm firearm with its serial number filed off, two live rounds of .38 Special revolver ammunition and one empty 9mm pistol cartridge were found in his room,” she said.

The suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and taken to Ivory Park Police Station.

Ekurhuleni acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mbongeni Ngcobo commended the operational team for its swift response and arrest, as well as its efforts to address the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the district.