Police in Gauteng are making inroads in recovering firearms that are in the hands of criminals as 125 firearms and 1764 various assorted rounds of ammunition were seized from Monday 18 July 2022 to Monday 25 July 2022. These firearms are believed to be used in the commission of serious and violent crimes that include murders, robberies, car hijackings, and house robberies.
A 25-year-old woman was arrested in Bekkersdal, West Rand District, on 21 July 2022 after she was found with three unlicensed firearms and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. When interviewed, the woman who is in the country illegally, alleged that the weapons belong to her boyfriend who is also a foreign national.
In Tokoza, Ekurhuleni District, police arrested four car hijacking suspects who were found with three unlicensed firearms and magazines loaded with ammunition on Thursday, 21 July 2022. The suspects who are aged between 35 and 42, attempted to hijack a vehicle before they were arrested.
In Rietgat, Tshwane District, two males were arrested for attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition on Monday, 25 July 2022. It is reported that two occupants in a Black BMW 320 Sedan were driving near Mabopane Station brandishing a firearm through the window when members of the Rietgat SAPS saw them and attempted to stop them, they sped off in a different direction. A high speed ensued, both the suspects were cornered and apprehended and a firearm with ammunition was recovered in their possession.
In Boksburg, Ekurhuleni District, members of SAPS and other law enforcement agencies intercepted a gang that was allegedly on their way to hijack a truck on Friday, 22 July 2022. During the confrontation, a shootout ensued, resulting in one of the suspects being fatally wounded. The suspects were found with three unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Other firearms were recovered through tip-offs from the community and during crime prevention operations that include stop and search.
Gauteng police recover 125 unlicensed firearms and 1764 ammunition in the past week https://t.co/5dIi74CKXs#ArriveAlive #Firearms #Ammunition @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/x2jBFUvbbZ
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 26, 2022