De Deur SAPS, together with the Expol Security company, arrested a suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition last week.

This is after a vigilant Expol security guard noticed a man suspiciously roaming around Walkerville Spar with a handgun at his waist.

The security guard immediately alerted the SAPS patrol vehicle patrolling the area and requested backup.

Police spokesperson Constable Mampho Mahlomola says, upon inspection, the suspect had no documentation qualifying him to carry the firearm.

Mahlomola states that the suspect was immediately arrested and detained at De Deur SAPS. He is expected to appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, earlier today, police carried out a successful high-density operation.

According to Mahlomola, the operation was to intensify police visibility while fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

During this operation, eight undocumented people were arrested – two originally from Mozambique, four from Malawi, one from Lesotho, and one from Zimbabwe.

This operation also saw one suspect apprehended for having illicit drugs. Another suspect was arrested for selling liquor without a permit.

De Deur SAPS Station Commander Colonel Lucas Nkosi applauded the members for shutting down one unlicensed shebeen, as it will reduce criminality.

Colonel Lucas Nkosi encouraged members to be vigilant for unlicensed shebeens and apprehend their operators.

“This will not only reduce unlicensed operations in the area but will also reduce criminality and assaults as they erupt from such shebeens,” he concludes.