Homemade firearm, ammunition found abandoned in Toekomsrus
The abandoned shooting device has heightened concerns over firearms circulating in the community.
A homemade shooting device and several rounds of ammunition were found abandoned in Toekomsrus on August 8 following a report of a young man allegedly in possession of a possible illegal firearm.
The discovery has renewed calls from the Myburgh Foundation’s Emergency Support Team (EST) for increased police visibility and patrols in the community amid concerns about the reported random discharge of firearms at night.
According to Randy Christian, founder of the Myburgh Foundation, members of the EST responded to a complaint in Diamond Street concerning a young man allegedly in possession of a possible illegal firearm.
Christian said that when members followed up on the complaint, the suspect fled the scene and dropped the device. Several rounds of ammunition were also found abandoned on the sidewalk.
“He must have accidentally also dropped it in his effort to flee,” said Christian.
No arrests have been made.
Device booked for safekeeping
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that the homemade shooting device had been booked for safekeeping.
Sibeko clarified that the reference number provided to the foundation was not a case number, but an exhibit store reference number.
“At this stage, no case has been opened,” said Sibeko.
She said the investigation was ongoing to trace the owner of the device and confirmed that no arrests had been made.
Calls for greater police visibility
The Myburgh Foundation EST said it is continuing its commitment to community safety engagements amid what it described as increasing crime in the Toekomsrus community.
The foundation is calling on SAPS and law enforcement to increase police visibility and patrols in the area to help address reported night-time shootings.
Christian said the random discharge of firearms at night was happening at an alarming rate and called for SAPS to give the matter the attention it deserves.
The foundation said the reported shootings are particularly traumatic for residents, especially children and elderly people. It has also urged community members and parents to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing social ills within the community.
Investigation ongoing
Sibeko said anyone with information that may assist with the investigation can contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or submit information via the MySAPS app.
The foundation said its members remain committed to community safety engagements in Toekomsrus, under its message: “Our Community….Our Concern.”
