Thirty-five (35) suspects are due to appear in various Magistrates Courts on Monday after they were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms over the weekend. A total of 20 firearms including a rifle, revolvers and pistol as well as hundreds rounds of ammunition for different calibre of firearms were seized in all areas of Gauteng. These firearms will be sent for ballistic examination as they may have been used in committing serious and violent crimes.
Most of these firearms were recovered as a result of information from the members of the public and a follow-up on cases such as business robberies and possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Four of these suspects who were conspiring to commit a business robbery were arrested by the Alexandra Task Team and an unlicensed firearm and suspected motor vehicle were seized. In Orlando police seized a rifle hidden in a shack and 120 rounds of ammunition for diferent calibre of firearms. Further investigations are continuing as the suspect might be part of a gang involved in serious and violent crimes in the Province.
Eight of the pistols were seized in Thembisa, Benoni, Bekkersdal, Olifantsfontein and Ivory Park where twelve (12) suspects were arrested and stolen vehicle, VW Polo was found. Other recovery of firearms and arrests were in Kempton Park, Douglassdale, Dawn Park, Mamelodi, Kliptown, Actonville and Johannesburg Central.
Police are also appealing to the members of the public to report any suspicious vehicles and people. Information may be forwarded to their nearest police station of Crime Stop at all hours.
Any information on corruption and members involved in criminal activities may be forwarded to the Provincial Duty General and Brigadier on cell 082 313 8299 or 082 444 4354 at all hours.