Eight suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms and a hijacked vehicle in two separate incidents during police operations in Westonaria last week.
According to West Rand District Police spokesperson Captain Eddie Boboko, the first arrest made in Borwa involved three men aged 30, 36 and 38. He said members of the Westonaria Police Crime-Prevention Unit received a look-out for a silver BMW hijacked in Jabulani, Soweto at about 22:00 on Thursday February 3.
“While they were patrolling in Leopard Street, they spotted a vehicle that matched the description with three men in inside,” said Captain Boboko.
The two officers, Constables Lebohang Matsoso and Kgalalelo Molefe managed to stop the vehicle and requested all occupants to step out for a search to be done.
During the search, police discovered a silver 9mm pistol behind the front passenger seat and when asked for proof of ownership none of the suspects could produce a licence to carry a firearm,” Captain Boboko said.
He added all three men were then arrested and charged for being in possession of a hijacked vehicle as well as of an unlicensed firearm.
In the second incident police arrested four men aged 33, 34, 38 and 46, as well as a woman aged 34 during a high-speed chase early Friday morning, February 4.
Captain Boboko explained that Constables Tankiso Khoele and Ntombi Mbobo of the Crime-Prevention Unit were patrolling on the N12 when they spotted a red Mazda 3 driving at a high speed towards Johannesburg. They gave chase and managed to stop the vehicle before the N12 and R28 crossing.
“They requested the occupants to step out of the vehicle, and when they searched them as well as the vehicle they discovered a 9mm pistol hidden underneath the driver’s seat. They denied ownership of the firearm and were charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm. Two of them were charged also with being illegal immigrants.
All suspects will appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner applauded the members for their hard work and dedication in making sure they cleaned the streets of Westonaria.
Firearms are being used to commit violent crimes such as hijacking, robbery aggravating, and murder. We will make sure that we remove all these firearms off the street and the perpetrators face the full might of the law.
“We appeal to the community to continue sharing information with the police of any illegal firearms that need to be removed off the street, and report those who are on the wrong side of the law at Crime Stop Hotline 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS app downloaded on any smart phone. You may remain anonymous,” Kekana said.
