BRIGHTON Beach SAPS recovered two firearms during route operational activities in May.
On Sunday, 17 May members of the Brighton Beach crime prevention unit were patrolling the Clairwood area, when Constable Xolani Mrawu saw a man standing along Sirdar Road with a bulky object concealed under his shirt on his hip. He stopped the vehicle and upon searching the man, he found a 9mm Short Star handgun, a magazine and eight live rounds of ammunition on his person. The serial number of the firearm was filed off. The 23-year-old suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
On Friday, 22 May members of the operational support environment were hosting a static blue light operational activity at the corner of Solomon Mahlangu (formally Edwin Swales Drive) and Flower Road, when W/O Wikus van Vuuren saw a light delivery vehicle with two occupants inside, which had no number plates. When W/O Van Vuuren stopped to search the vehicle, he found a 6.35mm MKS Supply Inc handgun and a magazine with no ammunition inside the vehicle. As the investigation proceeded it came to light that the firearm belonged to the mother of a friend. The 24-year-old man was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. An enquiry has been registered against the lawful owner in accordance with the Firearm and Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).
The firearms seized have been sent for ballistic testing to confirm if they have been used in the commission of other firearm-related incidents. Touch DNA analysis will also be conducted on the firearms.
“Constable Xolani Mrawu, and Warrant Officer Wikus Van Vuuren are commended for their vigilance, which led to the arrests and seizure of the firearms,” said Capt Louise Le Roux.
