Suspect in Riverdale court for unlicensed firearm and police confiscated drugs

A 29-year-old man is scheduled to make his first court appearance in the Riversdale Magistrates’ court following his arrest on charges of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm as well as ammunition.

On Saturday, 18 November 2023 at about 12:15, detectives tracked down a suspect sought in an attempted murder case. They spotted him along Mulder Road, Riversdale and while noticing the police, he fled. A chase ensued and his freedom was short-lived when police caught up with him. The man pointed a firearm to the members, but he was swiftly overpowered and arrested. The police confiscated a firearm and ammunition. He was subsequently arrested on the mentioned charges.

The suspect remains in police custody until his court appearance tomorrow.

In an unrelated matter, on Thursday, 16 November 2023 Garden Route District Crime Combatting Team members joined Knysna Crime Prevention unit members in a crime combatting operation at Alemein Street, Hornlee in Knysna. Upon searching the premises the team found 460 mandrax tablets, 200 gram of tik and an undisclosed amount of cash believed to be proceeds of the illicit drug trade. A 25-year-old woman was taken into custody. She has already made a court appearance on a charge of dealing in drugs.

Furthermore, earlier the week Swellendam SAPS members armed with a search warrant conducted an operation at Gazelle Street, Railton in Swellendam following information on illegal activities from the public. The members conducted a thorough search of the premises when they found 360 mandrax tablets, five halves and six grams mandrax powder. The police confiscated the drugs and arrested a 39-year-old man on a charge of dealing in drugs.

These confiscations and operations forms part of concerted efforts by police to rid communities of unlicensed firearms and illicit drugs which threatens the safety of communities.