Road Safety Blog

Eastern Cape’s police unwavering commitment in the confiscation of firearms and drugs

Media

In a bid to curb serious and violent crimes in the Eastern Cape, the dedication and vigilance of the members executed exceptional confiscations of firearms and drugs across the Province in the last week, 12 to 19 February 2024. These successes reflect the tireless efforts of police members in safeguarding their communities.

Some of the significant successes included the following:

OR Tambo District

It is alleged that on Sunday, 18 February 2024, Public Order Policing members from Lusikisiki together with Crime Intelligence, arrested two suspects with illegal firearms and ammunition at their homes. Both suspects, in their forties were detained and the two firearms, confiscated.

Also on Sunday, 18 February 2024, the OR Tambo District Task Team apprehended three suspects in separate incidents on charges of dealing in drugs. The suspects were arrested in Qumbu, Manka and Tsolo respectively. A total of 50 mandrax tablets, 81 sachets of dagga, 83 sachets of tik were confiscated. The estimated street value of the drugs is R10 000.

In a separate incident, on Monday, 19/02 at about 10:00, OR Tambo Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Crime Intelligence in Mthatha executed a search warrant at a house in Ngqwala locality in Viedgesville in Bityi. Police confiscated 11x 9mm cartridges and a suspected stolen VW Polo. While police were busy at the house, they noticed another male running away. He was caught and on searching him, a 9mm pistol with rounds were confiscated and 401 tik sachets was found in his house. The 38-year-old suspect was detained for illegal possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen vehicle while the 30-year-old was detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as dealing in drugs.

Joe Gqabi District

High visibility operations in the Barkly East area over the weekend ensured significant arrests. Crime prevention activities included vehicle and foot patrols, visits to liquor stores, taverns and Second Hand Goods stores. Three suspects were arrested for aggravated robbery, one suspect arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and a warrant of arrest was executed on an accused wanted in a housebreaking case. One person was also issued with a fine for dealing in liquor without a license. During the operations, knives, dagga, 39 000 litres of concoction beer, copper/aluminium wire and vehicle rims were seized.

In a separate incident, on 17 February 2024, during crime prevention patrols, a 19-year-old suspect was arrested by SAPS Zamuxolo members and detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. A 45-year-old man was also arrested during the early hours of Sunday morning, 18 February 2024, when police attended a complaint of domestic violence. The complainant’s boyfriend was in possession of a firearm.

Sarah Baartman District

An intelligence driven operation led to the recovery of drugs with an estimated street value of R7 850 in Makhanda on Saturday, 17/02. A joint endeavour by Grahamstown Crime Intelligence, Grahamstown Highway Patrol and Grahamstown Crime Prevention Unit resulted in the confiscation of 16 Mandrax tablets, 4 kg loose dagga, 32 sachets of daggaand 23 tik pipes.

Nelson Mandela Bay District

It is alleged that on Sunday, 18 February 2024 at 22:10, the complainant was sleeping in his truck at the truck inn in Swartkops when three males opened the door. He was pointed with a firearm and they demanded beer and money. They took his cellphone and left. The suspects were caught by the other truck drivers. Three cellphones and a 9mm pistol were confiscated. The suspects, aged between 25-35 years are detained on charges of robbery and one suspect was also detained for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Police confiscated 25 firearms within the Province in the last week.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene attributed these successes to the ongoing high density patrols and crime intelligence operations conducted in the hotspot areas in the various districts. ‘The removal of these illicit substances and weapons from our streets is a significant victory for public safety. By dismantling these threats, we are creating safer environments for our citizens. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while these confiscations represent a significant achievement, our resolve to combat crime remains steadfast,’ added Lt Gen Mene.

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