Local flying squad nabs suspect and recover several firearms
A 47-year-old man was arrested for discharging his firearm and also for being in possession of unlicensed firearms.
Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) members arrested one suspect and recovered five firearms on March 4.
At around 10:00, Sergeant Jaco Powell and Constable Juan-Mare Eksteen responded to a complaint of a hostage situation at Racecourse View complex in Lakefield, Benoni.
“While en route, another complaint came through of a shooting in progress at the same address,” said the unit’s spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin.
BFS members found the victim, allegedly shot in the face by his father-in-law.
The victim was still alive as the projectile grazed his cheek and pierced the top of his ear.
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“He pointed out the 47-year-old suspect was still on scene.”
The members immediately arrested the suspect and on being searched, they found a .38 revolver for which the man could not produce a valid licence.
“A search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of a shotgun in the boot with 47 live rounds of ammunition,” said Giblin.
The victim informed the BFS members the suspect had more unlicensed firearms at his house in Dalpark, Brakpan.
“Officers acted on the information and went to Augrabies Street, Dalpark, where they confiscated three firearms found in the suspect’s garage, as well as 26 gas and blank pistols.”
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The suspect will appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court facing charges of attempted murder, pointing a firearm at someone and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The police processed the scene at Brakpan and handed in the found items as exhibits at Brakpan SAPS, where the police opened a separate case of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The investigation continues.
