The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) together with Johannesburg Central SAPS have recently arrested six males aged between 22 and 38 during their patrol, on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm in Johannesburg CBD.
JMPD spokesperson Xholani Fihla said the officers heard gunshots at Noord and Claim streets, then decided to rush to the area.
“Upon their arrival, they spotted a man holding 9mm pistol and busy shooting in the air. They intervened but unfortunately, the shooter started firing bullets directly at them. One officer approached the shooting suspect and as he noticed that the officer was about to grab him, he passed the gun to one of his friends. The friend rushed to the minibus that was parked nearly to hide a gun. Then a police officer approached the minibus where he found a group of males. They started assaulting him when he confronts them”, said Fihla.
He added that the officer called for back-up and when other officers arrive, the mini-bus was searched.
“They found a hidden pistol with one bullet inside, five cartridges and R4 010.00 cash. The six suspects were immediately arrested and detained at Johannesburg Central police station. Their minibus was kept at South African Police Services Aeroton, where it will be identified. The suspects appeared at Johannesburg magistrate court yesterday. They were charged with attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, live ammunition, defeating ends of justice and firing in a public place”, said Fihla.
