Police in Gauteng recovered more than 50 unlicensed firearms that include high calibre automatic rifles and more than 680 ammunition that are believed to have been used in the commission of serious and violent crimes.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says the police have this past week intercepted armed criminals and acted on crime intelligence information and tip offs where scores of weapons were seized, and suspects arrested.
“Police arrested a 36-year-old man for possession of unlicensed firearm and pointing of firearm after threatening his ex-wife,” said Masondo.
Masondo said the suspect went to the house of his ex-wife, pointed her with a firearm and ordered her to get into the vehicle.
“She managed to escape and alerted the police who responded promptly. Police searched and arrested the suspect in Bophelong, Sedibeng, after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm,” said Masondo.
On Thursday, 23 July 2021, police officers from Tshwane District, Tshwane Central Crime Intelligence and Mamelodi East Crime Prevention acted on information about a person who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in Mamelodi East.
On arrival at the address, police found the 32-year-old man with unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and he was arrested.
Masondo said while conducting patrols on Wednesday, 21 July 2021, at 01h15 at Eikenhof when they noticed a charcoal Toyota Fortuner that looked suspicious. They pulled over the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop. The members managed to intercept the vehicle.
“Upon searching the vehicle and the occupant, police found 49 rifle live rounds. The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed ammunition.”
Other suspects who were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition include the two most wanted suspects from Olievenhoutbosch and 19 suspects who were found with four AK-47 rifles, three R-5 rifles, two pistols and scores of ammunitions.
