Off-duty BFS officer recovers firearm used in 2017 murder

After concluding his shift on December 23, off-duty Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) officer, Constable Ras Erasmus arrested four suspects and recovered a 9mm Taurus pistol, which was positively linked to a 2017 murder case.

According to Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, spokesperson for the unit, Erasmus was on his way home following his shift at 23:00, when he stopped at the intersection of Snake Road and Fifth Avenue to assist a motorist, stuck on the side of the road with engine problems.

“Erasmus was in his private vehicle assisting in his private capacity when he witnessed a white Toyota Fortuner driving recklessly from Fifth Avenue before turning into oncoming traffic on Snake Road,” he said.

“The vehicle turned around and sped towards Ras, who was attempting to bring it to a stop. The driver once again turned the vehicle around and headed towards the N12.”

A chase ensued with Erasmus managing to bring the vehicle to a stop at the N12 onramp, heading towards Johannesburg.

“The four occupants, aged between 20 and 50, were ordered out of the vehicle. Following a thorough search a pistol with its serial numbers partially filed off was found under the driver’s seat,” said Giblin.

“Members of the Etwatwa Crime Prevention unit responded to Erasmus’ calls for assistance where the occupants were contained and arrested.”

It was further found that the pistol could be positively linked to a 2017 murder case, investigated by the Crystal Park Police Station, where the firearm was used to shoot and kill the legal owner.

The suspects will be appearing in the Benoni Magistrates Court soon.

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