Ndudi Anyim
Operatives attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Proactive Team and Ravensmead SAPS Crime Prevention Unit have arrested two suspects for the illegal possession of firearms.
It was learnt that while a 21-year-old man was arrested with Astra Uncetacia –Guernice 9mm firearm at Sonya Crescent, Tafelsig, another suspect, aged 32 was arrested with 9mm Norinco firearm with serial number filed off.
Speaking for the Police, Captain FC Van Wyk said operatives were attacked by some locals while effecting the arrests and two patrol vehicles were damaged.
Wyk stated that efforts were on to charge both suspects to court.
He said: “ The first suspect was spotted in an suspicious vehicle, a VW Citi Golf. Operatives stopped the driver to search the vehicle. While searching the vehicle, members found an Astra Uncetacia –Guernice 9mm firearm with one round of ammunition. The serial number of the firearm was filed off.
“ A 21-year-old man was arrested on charges relating to the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and is expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court once charged.
“ In an unrelated matter, Ravensmead SAPS Crime Prevention Unit members attended to a shooting incident in Begonia Street in Uitsig and on arrival executed stop and searches in the area. Members approached a suspicious looking man in the road, who in turn took out a firearm and fired shots at the members.
“ Members returned fire and apprehended the suspect and a 9mm Norinco firearm with serial number filed off and 14 9mm rounds was found in his possession. While arresting the suspect, members of the community turned on the SAPS members, pelting them with stones. Two State vehicles were damaged in the process. The 32-year-old suspect is detained at SAPS Ravensmead. The members sustained no injuries.
“ The suspect will appear at Goodwood Magistrate Court on Friday, May 19, on charges of attempted murder, possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition as well as an attack on police officials.”