BFS recovers another pipe gun

Routine operations have led to the recovery of yet another homemade pipe gun in Brakpan.

According to Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, spokesperson for the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS), a 28-year-old suspect was arrested in Kitzinger Street, Brakpan, on August 14, when he was found in possession of the firearm.

“On July 31, the same suspect was arrested in Goods Road, when he was found in possession of a similar gun as well as drugs,” said Giblin.

“He was remanded in custody at the Brakpan Police Station, but was later released on bail, following his appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court.”

Giblin said pipe guns are not a rare occurrence and are often used by criminals as it is widely undetectable and untraceable.

“What is worrying is that we have recovered two of the weapons in a spate of two weeks from the same suspect,” he said.

“Investigations into the matter have been intensified.”

Giblin said possible links between a 47-year-old man, who was arrested on August 8 in Victoria Street, Brakpan for being in possession of two live rounds of 12-guage shotgun ammunition, is being investigated.

“Pipe guns are fully functional firearms and can cause fatal injury,” he said.

“Officers are working closely with the local authorities in an effort to clamp down on the manufacturer of these weapons and to combat sale thereof.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.

Information can be supplied anonymously and is confidential.

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