VANDERBIJLPARK – A gun with its serial numbers filed off, six bullets, R9 000 in cash and three cellphones were among the items recovered when cops and private security swooped on three suspects allegedly linked to a crime network.

Police arrested the suspects during an intelligence-driven operation on October 14 after they intercepted a Suzuki Bolero allegedly linked to suspected criminal activities.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu confirmed that a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition had been opened.

According to Sigcu, the vehicle was being followed based on intelligence suggesting it could be involved in truck and carjackings.

The vehicle was stopped, and the three occupants were searched.

A Ruby .38 Special revolver, with its serial numbers allegedly filed off, and six live rounds of ammunition were found underneath the driver’s seat.

The suspects allegedly failed to account for the firearm and were arrested.

According to Sigcu, the trio appeared in court for their first appearance on Friday, October 16, and remain behind bars.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of R9 000 in cash and three cellphones, while the Suzuki Bolero was seized.

The operation was carried out through collaboration between the CI Sedibeng District Aggravated Robbery Team, Vanderbijlpark Visible Policing, Expol Security Tactical Unit and VRU Town Reaction DB77.

Sigcu said investigations were continuing to establish whether the suspects could be linked to other carjacking cases in the area.