More illegal guns seized in Soshanguve
A total of 17 illegal firearms were seized during a crime prevention operation in Soshanguve on Thursday.
A total of 17 illegal firearms were seized by police from criminals when police conducted a crime prevention operation in Soshanguve on Thursday.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lolo Mangena said the 17 firearms add to the 293 firearms that have been seized by police from suspects from various crime prevention operations since the festive period.
Mangena said all the suspects found in possession of the illegal guns were arrested.
“Some of these firearms still have to be sent to forensics for ballistic testing to determine if it cannot be linked to other crimes,” he said.
Seven men were arrested on Thursday morning for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Blocks V, FF,BB, NN, DD, KK and SS respectively.
Mangena said the police were conducting their operations and they followed up on information about illegal guns in the area.
Most of the guns seized are different types of 9mm pistols such as z88, norinco and parabelum.
“In some of the cases the victims of armed robbery came to the police to report the crime, and gave the police a clear description of the suspects. The police went to investigate and managed to arrest the suspects,” said Mangena.
He said some of the criminals were pursued to their homes where the firearms were seized after searching.
“Almost all the firearms had the serial numbers filed off,” he said.
The suspects are facing different crimes such as armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Mangena commended police members on these recoveries.
“We will continue these operations throughout the Easter period,” he said.
He said this was a joint operation in search of illegal firearms in the Soshanguve area and its surroundings, aimed at making the area a crime free zone.
In another incident, the police pounced on a 22-year-old man in Block KK and conducted a search.
“He was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms with all serial numbers filed off,” he said.
The man was arrested and taken to Rietgat police station where he was charged and detained.
Mangena sent out a stern warning to all illegal gun owners that ‘the police are on your heels’.
“We hope the confiscation of these firearms will help us solve some of the murder cases we are investigating,” he said.
He appealed to residents to report anybody they suspect owns an illegal firearm.
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