A foreign national was arrested by the Nigel SAPS on Friday after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The man, who owns a tuck shop in the area, was nabbed after SAPS members responded to a tip-off from community members.
When police arrived at the tuck shop, the man attempted to escape through the bathroom window of the shop but was apprehended.
A search of the man yielded a 9mm firearm along with 37 rounds of ammunition. The magazine of the firearm had 11 rounds of ammunition with one in the chamber.
The man could not explain as to why he had the weapon in his possession and was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Station commander Lt Col Senzangakhona Mohale applauded the community members for their continued support of Nigel SAPS.
He also applauded the swift reaction of the members who responded to the situation.
• Over 71 people were arrested over the weekend in the Ekurhuleni East area which comprises the Nigel, Devon, Dunnottar, Duduza, Kwa-Thema, Tsakani and Springs police stations.
The arrests were a result of the commitment of SAPS members in the prevention of crime and collaboration between law- enforcement agencies such as the EMPD and other SAPS departments.
Different operations were conducted in the different policing precincts, including the High-Density Operation conducted in Kwa-Thema on Saturday which led to the arrest of 28 offenders in one night.
The arrested suspects face numerous charges, ranging from assault GBH, common assault, which includes domestic violence, theft, possession of drugs, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Many arrests were also made for the contravention of the amended level three regulations, as police members continue to enforce the law to ensure compliance.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the different magistrate’s courts during the week.
• On Monday, officers from the EMPD’s Drug Enforcement Unit patrolling the Nigel area cornered and arrested a man and a woman for possession and possible dealing in an illicit substance.
The pair was stopped at 8.25am along Springbok Road and searched. Officers uncovered 33 half and full Mandrax tablets valued at R1 800.
They were escorted to the Nigel Police Station and are expected to appear in the Nigel Magistrate’s Court soon.
