Public information helps police arrest illegal firearm owners
“The suspects were also linked to a Katlehong case of possession of stolen property as well as reckless and negligent driving.”
Ekurhuleni District is committed to addressing the proliferation of unlicensed firearms following the arrest of four suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearms in separate incidents at Eden Park and Reiger Park, between October 20 and 24.
According to the police report compiled by the Ekurhuleni district communication officer Captain Neldah Sekgobela, they managed to achieve this due to information from the public.
On October 25, members of the Ekurhuleni District Central Crime Intelligence (EDCCI) and Flying Squad received information regarding suspects that were arrested while committing a business robbery at a shop in Ext 8, Palm Ridge, Katlehong. Two of the suspects escaped from the scene with three firearms.
Sekgobela said a tracing operation was conducted and the two suspects linked to the case were arrested and detained at Eden Park holding cells.
“The suspects were also linked to a Katlehong case of possession of stolen property as well as reckless and negligent driving,” said Sekgobela.
Another Eden Park arrest for charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm was made by the Ekurhuleni west crime intelligence team on October 20. This was after receiving information about a suspect who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm at Ext 8, Eden Park.
Sekgobela said the information was shared with members of Germiston Flying Squad, who went to the supplied address and spotted a suspect who fitted the description amongst the group of people.
“A black pistol with a magazine and six live rounds of ammunition were found in his possession when the police members searched the suspect. The suspect was detained at Eden Park SAPS for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”
In a separate incident, members of the EDCCI and Reiger Park Vispol followed up on information regarding the suspects who argued at a shop in Goodehoop Street, Reiger Park, Boksburg, whereby one pulled out a firearm from his motor vehicle.
Sekgobela said the suspect was found with a firearm in his possession. “Because he failed to produce the license, he was arrested and detained at Reiger Park for possession of an unlicensed firearm,” she concluded.
Ekurhuleni district commissioner Major General Anna Sithole applauded the efforts of creating a safe and secure environment for Ekurhuleni citizens.
