East London Tactical Response Team (TRT) responded to a call for backup from one of its members, Sergeant Mlenze who was pointed with a firearm by a male suspect on 07 August 2019 at about 17:00 in Gunubie, East London
The members managed to disarm the suspect and he was arrested and charged for possession of illegal firearm. He is expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court facing the respective charges.
One firearm pistol, glock fully loaded with 15 live ammunition was confiscated. No injuries were sustained by the suspect and the police members.
On the same day, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested for possession and dealing with drugs after he was found with four and a half mandrax and loose dagga weighing 0.240g as well as 16 stompies at John Beer drive, Northcrest in Mthatha. An amount of cash to the value of R1372-00 was also onfiscated.
Members also arrested a 38-year-old suspect who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, namely a 9mm pistol and one magazine with 03 cartridges. The 9mm firearm belongs to Ngangelizwe SAPS. The suspect was also charged for dealing in drugs as tik and mandrax with cash to the value of R780-00 were found in his possession.
The suspects will appear in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 August 2019.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Ntshinga commended the members for safely disarming a dangerous suspect and taking one illegal firearm off the streets.
“Each firearm taken from the streets that could have been used to commit violent crimes fortify our resolve to eliminate the proliferation of illegal firearms. It is also a step closer to achieving Vision 2030 of ensuring that Eastern Cape is safe and free from violent crime,” said Lt Gen Ntshinga.