BFS operations put 11 suspects behind bars
Members are commended for their hard work and dedication, going beyond the call of duty to ensure that criminals are brought to book
October 17 was a blue Monday for would-be criminals as operations undertaken by the Benoni Flying Squad tightened its grip on criminal activities.
Eleven suspects were arrested and three unlicensed firearms were recovered.
Unlicensed firearm
At around 09:00, officers were conducting a vehicle checkpoint at Atlas Road on-ramp to the N12 when a white Ford Ranger was stopped.
“A routine search led to the recovery of an unlicensed 9mm Taurus pistol in a black bag with 16 live rounds of ammunition,” said BFS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Grant Giblin.
“The female driver could not account for the firearm and was immediately arrested.”
Further investigations confirmed that the firearm was reported stolen in Katlehong.
Counterfeit goods
Following a tip-off, members swooped on a business complex in Moore Avenue, Benoni, where counterfeit goods were allegedly stored.
At around 15:00, officers found a white Toyota Quantum parked at the address, containing nine boxes wrapped in black plastic and another 11 boxes inside the garage.
“Six foreign nationals were found on the scene and arrested,” said Giblin.
“The boxes contained suspected counterfeit name brand sport shoes.”
While on the scene, BFS members were approached by another foreign national man, claiming to be in charge of the operation.
He offered a bribe of R20 000 for the release of the suspects and goods.
“The money was booked in as evidence and a charge of bribery was brought against him.”
Task team success
The Ekurhuleni District Operational Task Team, comprising a BFS member, selected members from various police stations, as well as from the Economic Crime and Essential Infrastructure Unit acted together on the information of foreign nationals living in Crystal Park, who are in possession of firearms.
On October 18 at 03:00 the task team searched a home in Hong Kong Street, Chief Luthuli where two suspects were arrested and two unlicensed Norinco 9mm pistols along with 33 live rounds of ammunition were recovered.
One of the pistols was reported as stolen in Vosloorus, in July 2019.
Possession of drugs
A man was arrested in Umunga Street, Birch Acres, and dagga with an estimated street value of R1 500 were confiscated.
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