Cops recover multiple unlicensed firearms, hundreds of ammunition in Gauteng
Among those arrested were 19 people found with four AK-47 rifles, three R-5 rifles, two pistols and scores of ammunition.
At least 50 unlicensed firearms and more than 680 ammunition rounds were recovered by police across the province over the past week, they said.
The firearms, which included high-calibre automatic rifles and ammunition, were believed to have been used in serious and violent crimes, according to police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo.
In one incident, a 32-year-old man was arrested after police in the Tshwane district, Tshwane central crime intelligence and Mamelodi East crime prevention followed up on information about a person with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the area.
“On arrival at the address, police found the man with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and he was arrested,” Masondo said.
On Wednesday, a man was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed ammunition as police held patrols during the early hours of the day in the Eikenhof area, in Johannesburg.
“Police noticed a charcoal Toyota Fortuner that looked suspicious. They tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver failed to stop. However, the officers managed to intercept the vehicle,” he said.
He added that 49 rifle live rounds were found following a search of the vehicle and driver.
In another incident, a 36-year-old man was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and holding his ex-wife at gunpoint after he allegedly threatened her.
“It is reported that the suspect went to the house of his ex-wife, held her at gunpoint and ordered her to get into a vehicle. She managed to escape and alerted the police who responded promptly,” Masondo said.
Police searched and arrested the suspect in Bophelong, Sedibeng after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Other suspects who were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition included two most-wanted suspects who had been terrorising the Olievenhoutbosch community while 19 others were found with four AK-47 rifles, three R-5 rifles, two pistols and scores of ammunition.
Overall, 1 328 people were arrested in the province on charges such as murder; rape; operating a shop without valid documents; dealing in drugs; contravening lockdown regulations; driving under the influence of liquor; undocumented persons; possession of dangerous weapons; unlicensed firearm and ammunition; business robberies; house robberies and theft.
The arrests were made by the SAPS, who partnered with members of the SA National Defence Force, National Traffic Police; Gauteng Traffic Police; Metropolitan police departments, home affairs department, SA Receiver of Revenue and private security companies.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni applauded the collaboration between the various law-enforcement agencies in a bid to ensure stability in the province.
“These arrests are a clear indication that the criminals cannot do as they wish in our province,” he said.
Those arrested were expected to appear in court soon.
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