AN active and alert member of the Berea West Neighbourhood Watch was travelling on Essex Terrace in Westville on Tuesday 9 August, when he spotted a suspicious man who he believed was holding a gun in his hand.
According to Capt Elizabeth Squires, Westville SAPS communications officer, the neighbourhood watch patroller stopped his car at a safe distance away and observed the man. He immediately called 10111 and while the police were on their way, watched as the man stashed the firearm in some grass and began walking away.
“The patroller was concerned the man would flee and the firearm would be left unattended so he decided to engage with the man until the SAPS arrived. He also called fellow NHW patrollers to assist. The police arrived a couple minutes later and a 51-year-old suspect could not satisfactorily explain why he had the firearm in his possession,” said Squires.She said the man was arrested for unlawful possession of firearm and the firearm booked into evidence.
“The man was charged and will appear in court soon. The firearm will be examined to see if its rightful owner can be traced and if it has been used in any other offences. Well done and thank you to the Berea West Neighbourhood Watch members and all involved in the arrest,” said Squires.
