Police seize four firearms, arrest five in operations

POLICE confiscated four illegal firearms and made five arrests during operations over the weekend.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said three men were arrested early yesterday after their vehicle was stopped in 17th Avenue, Walmer. Naidu said police noticed one of the men hand a firearm over to another passenger inside the vehicle.

Both were arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. A third occupant was arrested after he was found in possession of dagga.

The three will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court today.

On Saturday night, Bethelsdorp police patrolling in Timothy Valley were alerted to gunshots in Angola Road.

Police spotted suspects in a bushy area. Naidu said the men fired shots at the police before a chase ensued.

She said one man with a shotgun was apprehended. He was charged with possession of an illegal firearm and will appear in court today.

At 10.45pm on Saturday, police in Helenvale searched a Volkswagen Beetle outside a house in Stagg Street and found a 9mm firearm. A man was arrested and will appear in court today.

On Friday, Bethelsdorp police patrolling in Extension 34 stopped and searched a red Toyota Tazz in Gloxinia Drive. A 9mm firearm and ammunition were found and a 22-year-old man was arrested.