Excellent detection by police dog ‘Bentley’ and K9 members resulted in the arrest of three males travelling on the N2 towards Gqeberha in a blue Toyota Run X vehicle on Monday, 17 May 2021.
It is alleged that at about 09:40, the members acted on information received that there were firearms in the vehicle. The vehicle was spotted on the N2 near the salt pans and was stopped by Gqeberha K9 members. A thorough search was conducted and Bentley (a patrol/explosive detection dog) immediately reacted at the front passenger door. The panel was stripped and a silencer, a hunting knife, a 375 rifle barrel and several 375 rounds of ammunition were found inside the door panel. Also confiscated from the wiper blade cover was a 375 rifle stock.
The three male suspects (ages between 24 and 44 years) were detained on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. The suspects are due to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s court tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 May 2021.
Acting Mount Road Cluster Commander, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso commended the K9 members for their swift reaction to the information received. ’The arrests of these suspects have prevented the commission of a crime. It is clear that the occupants of the vehicle went to great lengths to hide these firearm parts as well as the ammunition and intended to use these weapons in committing a crime. Our K9 colleagues are well trained in the detection of weapons and criminals are warned that their devious intentions would be exposed and they will face the criminal justice system for their wrongdoings,’ warned Brig Kupiso.
