Pretoria – Police have arrested suspects linked to firearms seen in a viral video circulating on social media in which two women point guns and pretend to shoot at each other.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said SAPS Gauteng Crime Intelligence launched a tracing operation, which led officers to Tembisa, Gauteng, where two suspects were located and arrested.
Brigadier Mathe revealed that two men, aged 21 and 34, linked to the guns had been arrested, but the two women in the viral video were still at large.
“The firearms seen in the video were seized by police, and preliminary investigations reveal that the firearms are unlicensed,” the police spokesperson said.
“During the operation, the suspects were also found in possession of a hijacked vehicle.”
Brigadier Mathe added: “Police are continuing with investigations to trace the women seen in the video recklessly and negligently handling the firearms”.
The suspects were expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court next week.
The suspects face multiple charges, including contravention of the Firearms Control Act, the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.
Meanwhile, acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended Gauteng Crime Intelligence for their swift response in tracing the suspects linked to the firearms seen in the viral video.
She said the arrests send a strong warning that the reckless handling and display of firearms on social media will not be tolerated and that police will act decisively against those who break the law.
Police further warned the public against the reckless handling and display of firearms, as such conduct endangers lives and constitutes a serious criminal offence.
