Four arrested with unlicensed firearms at Bluff mall

AN anonymous tip-off from The Bluff Community Policing Forum led to the arrest of four men who were in possession of unlicensed firearms in a mall on The Bluff, on November 30.

Responding to the tip-off, members of ET Rapid Response Tactical Response Team proceeded to the mall when they noticed a stationary vehicle in the parking area with four occupants in it.

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According to the communications officer of Brighton Beach police station, Captain Louise le Roux, the vehicle was sought in a criminal matter in the Pinetown policing area.

“The two response members approached the vehicle with caution to engage the occupants.  Upon introducing themselves to the occupants, they observed an attempt being made to conceal a rifle in their presence. By applying tactical skills, the officers were able to constrain the occupants of the vehicle and retrieve evidence, while awaiting back-up from law enforcement,” said Le Roux.

Four 9mm handguns and one R5 automatic rifle, with its serial numbers filed off, were seized by police, together with multiple rounds of ammunition.

The four suspects, aged between 22 and 42, face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of unlicensed ammunition and possession of property suspected to be stolen.

“We commend the ET Rapid Response Tactical Response Unit members for the arrests and recoveries achieved within the Brighton Beach policing area. Through the support of partners in policing, police are striving towards creating safer communities.We also acknowledge the role-players, including the Brighton Beach SAPS Vispol Unit, detective services, the Umlazi K9-Unit, the eThekwini District SAPS Task Team, The Bluff Community Policing Forum and security companies for their active involvement in the fight against crime. Together, we achieve more,” added Le Roux.

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