Illegal possession of firearms targeted

Serious and violent crimes remain a priority for the Western Cape police and that is why we are seriously clamping down on firearms in the wrong hands. Last night during an integrated operation by members of the Provincial Integrated Task Team, POPS and the SANDF foot patrols were conducted at the Nyanga taxi rank when a suspicious male person was spotted. He was apprehended and searched, which resulted in the discovery of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and ammunition. The 38-year-old suspect was detained until his court appearance in Athlone on Monday.

In an unrelated incident in Kraaifontein this morning a suspect managed to evade arrest, but he is now disarmed. Flying Squad members patrolled the area when they saw a man fleeing on foot. They searched the area and found the suspect’s .22 rifle and ammunition.

Ballistic tests are conducted on all confiscated firearms to determine if they can be linked to other crimes.