Ndudi Anyim
Three suspects have been arrested for the illegal possession of firearm, drugs, amongst other crime in Bityi administrative area, Eastern Cape.
It was learnt that the arrest of the suspects followed the deployment of operatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), to fight crime in the area.
According to the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, the deployment became necessary after recent reports of criminality around Bityi Administration Area.
Ntshinga said Police descended in the area and arrested suspects for possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of drugs and recovered a flock of stolen sheep today.
She said: “Police confiscated a pistol, live ammunition and drugs during the stop and search held in the area. A suspect aged 36 was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and live ammunition. Another suspect aged 30 was arrested for possession of drugs. The last suspect aged 33 was arrested for contravening the immigration Act, being in the country without proper documentation.
“Following an intelligence driven information members recovered 18 flock of stolen sheep that was reported stolen earlier. The owner of the sheep have applauded the Police for a swift recovery. The suspects are due to appear in the Bityi Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm, live ammunition, possession of drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act soon.”
The Police Chief further commended her members for a sterling job, “Murders, armed robberies, business robberies and all serious crimes are averted as a result of the firearm confiscated. Each firearm confiscated from the hands of the criminals helps to create a safer environment for all people living in the country,” she said.