Bekkersdal was one of the areas in which unlicensed firearms were found and police plan on using all the weapons found to perform ballistics tests to link them to violent crimes.
The arrests took place on the weekend of 23 January. 35 suspects were due to appear in Magistrates’ Courts on the Monday after they were arrested.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, spokesperson for Gauteng Province, “A total of 20 firearms including a rifle, revolvers and pistol as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition for different calibre of firearms were seized in all areas of Gauteng.
Most of these firearms were recovered as a result of information from the members of the public and a follow-up on cases such as business robberies and possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Four of these suspects who were conspiring to commit a business robbery were arrested by the Alexandra Task Team and an unlicensed firearm and suspected motor vehicle were seized.
“In Orlando, police seized a rifle hidden in a shack and 120 rounds of ammunition for different calibre of firearms. Further investigations are continuing as the suspect might be part of a gang involved in serious and violent crimes in the province,” Dlamini said.
Eight of the recovered pistols were seized in Thembisa, Benoni, Bekkersdal, Olifantsfontein, and Ivory Park where 12 suspects were arrested and a stolen VW Polo was recovered.
The other firearms and arrests were made in Kempton Park, Doughlassdal, Dawn Park, Mamelodi, Kliptown, Actonville and Johannesburg Central. The variety of areas weapons were found in is a clear indication that crime does not discriminate and is rife is both affluent areas and townships.
The Gauteng police are appealing to the public to report any suspicious vehicles and people. Residents are required to contact their nearest police station in these cases. The Randfontein police can be contacted on 011 767 2350 and Westonaria can be reached on 011 278 5330.
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