Two suspects from Buyafuthi Hostel were arrested by Katlehong Crime Prevention members for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition in Radebe Section, Katlehong, on November 19.
According to police reports, it is alleged a motorist was shot during the incident of an alleged robbery along Masakhani Street.
Katlehong SAPS media liaison officer Mega Ndobe said the victim survived the shooting and was taken to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital.
Ndobe explained in a statement that the crime-prevention members were conducting their normal stop-and-search routine when they received information about a shooting incident in Sakhile informal settlement.
They immediately went to the area and continued with the stop-and-search.
“Just less than a kilometre from the shooting incident, officers spotted a group of six men next to the tavern in Radebe Section. Police requested to search them, and two in the group were found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” said Ndobe.
“One suspect was in possession of a 9mm pistol with seven rounds of ammunition, while the other suspect was in possession of a revolver with six rounds of ammunition,” he said.
Katlehong SAPS station commander Brig Albertina Vesi applauded the job done by crime-prevention members.
“Two firearms were removed from the wrong hands and more lives have been saved,” Vesi said.
Police will investigate whether the firearms seized were among the ones used to commit the attempted murder. The firearms will be sent to ballistics for further investigation.
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.