Illegal gun carriers in Pretoria CBD denied bail
One of the guns recovered was linked to a theft case in Bronkhorstspruit.
Pretoria Central police have applauded the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court decision to deny two suspects bail who were recently charged with gun-related offences.
The suspects arrested on separate occasions this past weekend were charged respectively with the possession of a stolen firearm and live ammunition, as well as for an unlicensed possession of a firearm.
The first suspect, a 39-year-old, was arrested on Saturday morning on the corner of Struben and Bloed streets at around 11:00.
“A stop-and-search conducted by the Crime Prevention Team led to a discovery of a G3 9×19 Taurus Armus pistol, loaded with live rounds,” said spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise.
“He was immediately arrested and taken to the station for detention. A preliminary investigation was conducted and it was discovered that the firearm was reported stolen with a case of Bronkhorstspruit,” said Nkhumise.
The other suspect was arrested the same day at around 10:55 on the corner of Bloed and 2nd streets in Marabastad.
Crime prevention officers were conducting a stop-and-search of a 36-year-old when they discovered he was carrying a firearm.
“After the discovery of the firearm, a black Beretta pistol, a lengthy interview was conducted but the suspect could not produce a valid licence to possess the firearm and also couldn’t give an account of where he found the firearm,” Nkhumise said.
Both suspects appeared before the court on Monday and were remanded into custody to address verification and pending further investigation.
Station commander Brigadier Gibin Hlengani Mashaba welcomed the arrests and said he trusted it would serve as a stern reminder of the station’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal gun carriers.
“I would like to applaud the team for their hard work in maintaining visibility in the inner city and the Central policing precinct. The community is urged to be more cautious as we are approaching the festive season,” Mashaba said.
The brigadier has assured the community of more visibility by the police in partnership with law enforcement agencies during the festive season.
For crime reports contact the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111, or dial 112 on any network provider, use the MySAPS app or call the station on 079 880 0880.
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