KING WILLIAM’S TOWN – Safer Festive Season Operations aimed at ensuring that all citizens are and feel safe, resulted in the arrest of five (5) suspects for possession of illegal firearms.
Intelligence driven operation aimed at eradicating proliferation of illegal weapons was conducted at Libode, Mthatha and Ngcobo between 25 and 28 November 2020. Crime Intelligence Unit and Tactical Response Team deployed at Ngcobo followed up information about illegal firearms and ammunition at Libode, Ngcobo.
Information was followed and yielded the following results:
• Two male suspects aged between 29 and 35 years were arrested at Eziphunzana Locality in Mthatha. The suspects were charged for possession of prohibited firearm.
Further information led the police to conduct a search at Libode where a gold Toyota Corolla previously reported as hijacked was recovered. One suspect was charged for possession of a hijacked vehicle.
• A 28-year-old female suspect from Maiden Farm, Mthatha was found in possession of a shortgun and (10) Baikal Shortgun Rifle brown Butts. She was charged for possession of prohibited firearm.
• A 36-year-old male suspect from Bhongweni Location, Mthatha was charged after he was found in possession of a Revolver with one cartridge.
• Tactical Response Team members deployed at Bityi conducted a search and seizure operation at Luthuthu Locality, Mpeko Administrative Area, Mthatha where a 50-year-old male suspect was charged for possession of unlicensed firearm namely a revolver. Upon circulation of the firearm, it was reported stolen at Mthatha.
• Another suspect, 29, from Luthuthu Locality Mpeko Administration Area, Mthatha was found in possession of 19 rounds of ammunition.
All the recovered firearms will be taken to a ballistic tests to ascertain if they have been used in the commission of crime.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members for the successful operation. “Each firearm confiscated is a step closer to a safe and gun free province”, she said. “We also urge all those with illegal weapons in their possession to take advantage of the firearms amnesty period until 31 January 2021. No one will be prosecuted for handing over illegal weapons during the amnesty period,” she added.
