KING WILLIAM’S TOWN – In an effort to fight the proliferation of illegal weapons, Tactical Response Team deployed at Qumbu conducted an operation in search of illegal firearms and ammunition from 15 until 17 October 2020.
The operation focused on Tsolo policing area and began at 01:00 when a 9mm Norinco was recovered with four live 9mm live rounds as well as one empty magazine during a search at a targeted homestead.
A 55-year-old male was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
At about 02:05 members arrived at eSiqhungqwini locality, Tsolo where a 61-year-old suspect was arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm after being found in possession of one 38 special revolver with five live 38 special rounds.
This firearm was reported stolen from a security company in the Western Cape.
Another 62-year-old suspect was searched and found in possession of one 9mm Norinco Pistol with eight live 9mm rounds, one empty 9mm magazine as well thirty live R5 Rifle rounds.
Valuable information received from a reliable source was operationalised at Magutywa A/A where a pistol was recovered and the suspect, 58, was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
One 9mm pistol with two live 9mm live round, one empty magazine and one black inside holster were confiscated.
During the operation, two suspects were chased by two members from the shebeen into the bushes where the unknown suspect drew a firearm and started to shoot at the police. The suspect disposed of the firearm while running from police into a nearby forest.
An attempted murder case was opened and is currently under investigation.
One 9mm with eight live 9mm rounds and one empty magazine were recovered.
All the suspects are expected to appear at Tsolo Magistrates Court on Monday, 19 October 2020.
The firearms will be sent for ballistic test to if it have been used in the commission of crime in the country.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga commended the members for the successful arrests and the recovery of firearms. “One recovered firearm is a step towards realizing and ensuring that our province is free of illegal weapons,” she said
