Several firearms seized and suspects arrested during crime operations

WESTERN CAPE – Our zero-tolerance approach towards serious and violent crimes in this province is making headway as several suspects have been apprehended during crime operations last night.

In Philippi East the Provincial Integrated Team joined forces with visible policing members, detectives and crime intelligence and conducted a tracing operation in pursuit of suspects wanted for murder and attempted murder in Samora Machel. This operation resulted in the arrest of one male suspect in his twenties and the discovery of three unlicensed 9mm pistols, and 1205 matrax tablets valued at R36 150-00. The suspect is also facing two murder charges and four attempted murders, while his accomplices are still being sought.

During a similar intervention by the Provincial Integrated Team, in Nkandla in Philippi East last night a 31-year-old suspect was arrested for being in possession of two unlicensed 9mm pistols and 17 rounds of ammunition.

The operation in Philippi East also led to the arrest of two suspects who were found in possession of a stolen bulletproof vest, and in Delft, an abandoned firearm was seized by the same team.

In an unrelated matter, the vigilance of two Pinelands SAPS members led to the arrest of two suspects aged 29 and 36, who we believe were about to perpetrate a business robbery. The members were conducting patrols in Thornton when they spotted two suspicious men outside a shop late last night. The suspects who already entered the shop were approached and searched and found with a prohibited firearm and ammunition in their possession.

Once charged, the suspects are due to make their court appearances in Athlone and Cape Town respectively.

We are continuing with our focus on the illegal possession of firearms and criminals can expect to feel the heat during similar frequent operations by dedicated crime fighters in the Western Cape.