A routine night of patrols by officers attached to Operation Lockdown III resulted in two separate arrests across Bonteheuwel and Belhar, Cape {town} Etc reports
During crime prevention duties on Friday, 2 January, officers operating in Vyeboom Street, Bonteheuwel, noticed an unknown man standing in possession of a firearm.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect immediately fled on foot after spotting the marked police vehicle, as per the South African Police Service.
Police pursued the man, who allegedly discarded the weapon in an attempt to evade arrest. Officers recovered the firearm, described as a 9mm pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, before continuing their search.
The chase led officers to a nearby residence in Vlamboom Street, where the suspect was located and taken into custody. The 28-year-old man now faces charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Authorities confirmed that the recovery of the weapon removed a potentially dangerous item from the streets before it could be used in criminal activity.
In an unrelated development on the same evening, officers conducting patrols in Erica Square, Belhar, were alerted to a confrontation involving a security guard.
Police said they witnessed a man chasing a security officer while armed with a knife. Members intervened immediately, preventing further escalation and arresting the suspect at the scene.
The 37-year-old man was detained on charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and intimidation.
Both suspects are expected to make their first appearances at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where the charges against them will be formally presented.
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