Intensified police presence and frequent patrols in hotspot areas resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old suspect by SAPS Bethelsdorp police members.
According to police information, during the early hours of this morning, 16 January 2018 at about 02:15, members were patrolling in Esterhuizen Street, Arcadia when they spotted a man standing in front of a house. When the suspect spotted the police, he started to move into the garage. Members reacted immediately and went after the suspect. The suspect took out a firearm, a black revolver from his pocket and threw it behind him. Upon searching the suspect, the members found four Mandrax tablets, 2 packets of Cat, 6 packets of tik and cash in his pocket.
The suspect was detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and dealing in drugs.
The suspect will appear in court tomorrow, 17 January 2017.
‘Firearms and drugs are known to be the biggest crime generators within the communities, therefore, we will be resolute in fighting the scourge of illicit sale of drugs as well as a proliferation of illegal firearms. This is the 10th firearm that was confiscated since last week. The prevalence of drugs and firearms in the communities is a concern and we will not rest until these drug pedlars/traffickers are arrested and their trade ruined permanently,’ commented Major General Thembisile Patekile, Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster.