Raids net suspects and illegal firearms

Eastern Cape police have made several arrests and removed illegal firearms from the streets in separate raids across the province since Monday.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga praised the hauls, saying: “This is the kind of work we are expecting from all our patrols.”

Six suspects linked to an armed robbery were arrested by the Grahamstown highway patrol members. “This is the best practice that when a robbery is reported, all highway patrols must be vigilant.”

She said the police were busy at an accident scene on the N2 when they made the arrest.

“A BMW approached the scene and was stopped by the members. There were six occupants in the vehicle. The members searched it and found an undisclosed amount of cash and airtime. Two 9mm pistols, several 9mm rounds and a toy gas gun was also seized in the vehicle,” Ntshinga said.

She said the suspects will face several charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Meanwhile, Mzamba police members arrested a 48-year-old man for possession of three homemade firearms.

Provincial police spokesperson Mali Govender said Mthatha police arrested a 35year-old man for possession of a 9mm pistol with eight rounds of ammunition at Tutor Ndamase.

“Members saw a suspicious motor vehicle, stopped and searched. Upon searching, they found the suspect in possession of the pistol.”

Ntshinga said a 40-year-old Ngqeleni man was also found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with four rounds of ammunition. “Members followed positive information and he was also found in possession of 5kg dagga.”

Two suspects will appear in court in East London after they

This is the kind of work we are expecting from all our patrols

were arrested with a 9mm Browning pistol. Police noticed a car parked in the dark on the N2 highway. On inquiry they were told the vehicle had a breakdown but two minutes later the same car was spotted heading towards East London.

Govender said when police put the blue lights on, a highspeed chase ensued.

“Members of the Beacon Bay police station blocked the vehicle at the Beacon Bay offramp. The vehicle was searched and a 9mm Browning pistol with five live rounds was found under the front passenger seat.”