Johannesburg – Police in Gauteng have recovered more than 400 illegal guns, and nearly 5 000 bullets and arrested at least 200 suspects.
The police said the arrests of the suspects and the recovery of unlicensed guns and ammunition occurred in just four weeks between 28 March and 18 April 2023.
To achieve success, the police said they worked in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, Eyes and Ears Initiative partners, Community Police Forums, and community patrollers.
“These operational successes are the result of SA Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng’s unabated crime-fighting efforts such as the renown multi-disciplinary ‘Operation O Kae Molao’, routine crime prevention patrols, random stop-and-searches, and vehicle checkpoints,” explained the police.
“Unlicensed firearms and ammunition are also recovered through community tip-offs.”
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela “commended members” across the province for the recent operational successes achieved
“Firearms are known to be the weapon of choice in the commission of a serious and violent crime,” said Lieutenant General Mawela.
“I would like to thank all our SAPS members, other law enforcement agencies, and our crime-fighting partners for remaining resolute in the fight against crime.
“Let’s continue to recover unlicensed firearms and ammunition towards a safer and secure environment for all.”
Lieutenant General Mawela said all the recovered firearms will be subjected to a ballistic test to determine whether they can be linked to other serious crimes.
Community members are encouraged to continue reporting crime to their nearest police station, SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.
In the Western Cape, the police arrested several suspects for the illegal possession of firearms, some of which have been linked to other crimes committed in the province.
Police said the intensified anti-crime efforts followed the shooting in Manenberg in which a 13-year-old boy was shot and injured in Greatfish, on Wednesday, (19 April 2023).
On Thursday, (20 April 2023), Anti-Gang Unit members followed up on information that led them to a residence on McCrawl Street.
Police said upon entering the premises, members spotted a female rushing to the back of the residence with an object in her hand which was later identified as a 9-mm CZ pistol with a fully loaded magazine with 15 rounds.
“The members in pursuit reached her just in time, before she could dispose of the firearm, and arrested her,” the police said.
“They confiscated the firearm and ammunition as evidence. This led to the subsequent arrest of the 34-year-old woman who now faces a charge of possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
“The possibility that this firearm can be linked to the shooting of the 13-year-old, forms part of the investigation.”
In another incident on Wednesday, (19 April 2023), police were patrolling in Hanover Park, when they heard gunfire.
The police said they received information on the whereabouts of an active shooter in Lansry Walk.
They confronted a 21-year-old suspect before they searched his dwelling and found a 9mm Browning pistol and one round of ammunition.
