Police in Gauteng on Wednesday revealed that – along with other law enforcement agencies – they have recovered more than 300 illegal guns and thousands of bullets in the last two weeks.
In a statement compiled by Captain Amanda van Wyk, the SA Police Service listed the incidents that led to the recovery of the unlicenced firearms and the more than 4 500 bullets.
On Sunday, 21 August 2022 police in Sedibeng District arrested two suspects on the N3 highway in Heidelberg for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“According to a preliminary report, a multi-disciplinary team of members from Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and metro police operationalised information they obtained on firearms being transported from KZN to Vosloorus in Gauteng,” said the statement.
“The suspects’ vehicles were successfully intercepted by the members. A search led the members to recover five unlicensed firearms and ammunition; both the drivers of the said vehicles were arrested.”
In another district, police in Ekurhuleni swiftly acted on a community tip-off and arrested five suspects in Brakpan on Friday (19 August 2022).
“The members recovered three unlicensed firearms and cellphones found in the possession of the suspects,” said the statement.
On Wednesday, 17 August 2022 a 30-year-old suspect was arrested in Reigerpark for possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and drugs following an intelligence-driven operation.
“‘Members of Rapid Response Services (RRS), that include Gauteng Highway Patrol, Flying Squad and K9 units, have collectively recovered 22 unlicensed firearms between 12 and 18 August 2022,” said the statement.
The police said all the recovered firearms are subjected to ballistic tests to establish whether they may be linked to crimes.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended members of the SA Police Service, other law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders for their concerted efforts in addressing serious and violent crime in the province.
Community members are urged to report criminal activities to their nearest police station or submit tip-offs to SAPS Crime Stop Line 08600 10111 or alternatively on the My SAPS App.
