Ndudi Anyim
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in Western Cape, have arrested 3868 suspects, with 186 firearms and 3058 rounds of ammunition recovered.
Security Watch Africa gathered that the achievements were made between February 22 and March 26.
Speaking on the arrests, the acting Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape Police, Major General Tembisile Patekile, said the suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery.
Patekile said: “ The arrest is an endeavour of Western Cape Police to seek a safer environment for all communities within the Province, as forces fiercely fight the battle to deter the proliferation of firearms in the hands of criminals.
“ The operation which was meant to address gang related, serious and violent crimes in hot spot areas have proven successful and Police are making headway in reducing the number of unlicensed firearms on the streets.
“ A total of 186 firearms and 3058 rounds of ammunition have been confiscated from 147 suspects who are now paying the price for criminal behaviour. A total of 3868 suspects have been arrested for contact crimes, which are often associated with weapons, such as murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery during the same period. ”
He praised the operational forces for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that the priorities of the Province are addressed.
“ Firearm related crime will remain in our sights and we will never allow criminals to terrorise communities and hold them at ransom with violence, ” says Maj Gen Patekile.
He appealed to the public to assist with information that will bring the Police closer to its goals to reduce serious and violent crimes.
“ This is so that parents can allow their children to play outside without the fear of becoming statistics at the hands of gun slinging criminals with scant regard for others.
“ If you know of a firearm that is in the illegal possession of someone, please do not hesitate to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the mobile application My SAPS,” he stated.