Police remove guns from CBD streets
The station commander says increased police visibility is paying off.
Police in the Pretoria CBD are making significant strides in gun control, recovering close to 30 firearms so far this year.
The Pretoria Central police recently arrested a man with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Bloed Street – the 28th recovery of an illegal firearm since January.
The arrest was made on August 7 and comes after the crime prevention team led by Captain Portia Maleka and Constable Freedom Sibusiso Sambo spotted the suspicious man and pursued him, to later recover a 9mm gun, with a magazine loaded with five rounds.
The suspect appeared in the Pretoria Magistraite’s Court the following day where he was denied bail due to further investigations and address verification.
A 39-year-old was arrested on the corner of Thabo Sehume and Madiba streets in July.
Spokesperson Constable Thabang Nkhumise said a crime prevention team and wardens on patrol in the area had spotted a suspicious object by his waist and approached for further investigation.
“After a lengthy interrogation, the suspect could not account for the firearm and he was also not in possession of a valid licence to possess one. He was immediately taken to the station and correctly detained with no injuries,” said Nkhumise.
“Police recovered a pistol CZ83, calibre 9 with a magazine containing 13 live rounds and the serial number was filed off.”
Station commander Brigadier Gibin Hlengani Mashaba has welcomed the arrests made in the past several months, stating that the need to remove illegal firearms from the CBD remains a top priority.
“I want to applaud our members for their hard work and for minimising the number of dangerous weapons in the city by all means. The increase in visibility and implementation of more foot patrols is bearing fruit in policing the CBD,” Mashaba said.
Mashaba added the community must come forth and report crime as this will assist the police in curbing the surge of crime and removal of criminals. Residents can report anonymously.
Call the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, simply dial 112 on any network or call the station on 012 353 4000.
Other options include the MySAPS app or www.saps.gov.za.
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