WESTERN CAPE – In a concerted pursuit to bring an end to violent crime in this province, members of Bellville SAPS reacted on a tipoff and conducted a clandestine operation which led to the arrest of seven suspects for the possession of two prohibited firearms this morning.
Information received from an anonymous source indicated that five suspects were due to arrive in Bellville on a long distance bus from Kwazula Natal with the intention to commit business robberies. The bus stop was placed under observation and the arrival of the suspects was monitored. They were collected by two suspects in two separate vehicles, a Toyota and a Kia. With their departure both vehicles were stopped and searched, which led to the discovery of the two firearms without serial numbers. One of the suspects driving the Kia was identified as an off duty police constable stationed at Ravensmead police station.
Once charged, all seven suspects are expected to make their court appearance in Bellville to face the charges against them.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt Gen Yolisa Matakata commended the members for bringing the suspects to book, thereby preventing violent armed robberies from occurring. The Provincial Commissioner further vowed that that there is no place in SAPS for police officials who commit crime. An internal SAPS disciplinary process will be initiated immediately in relation to the arrested police member
