Members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) Combat Team seized three unlicensed firearms and arrested seven persons during two crime prevention operations in Cape Town this weekend.
According to a SAPS media statement released yesterday, the AGU Combat Team conducted an intelligence-driven operation in the Atlantis policing area on Saturday 9 July. The AGU members raided a residence in Paragon Steet, Avondale where a 23-year-old male was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
During the operation, a .38 special revolver with five rounds of ammunition was seized as well as a 9mm firearm with the serial number removed. Six rounds of ammunition that were abandoned in a lane between Rozetta and Paragon Street, Avondale was also recovered.
An inquiry has been opened for further investigation of the serial number removal.
On Sunday 10 July, AGU Combat Team members responded immediately to information received regarding the potential possession of a firearm in Chopin Street, Retreat. A 20-year-old was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
A thorough search uncovered a revolver hidden in a buried ice cream container in front of a Wendy House in the backyard. A .38 Taurus revolver and six rounds were seized and booked in.
Further arrests were made in a separate tracing of wanted persons operation conducted at various locations in the precinct. Two 20-year-old, a 29-year-old, and three other suspects were arrested in connection with a Steenberg murder and an attempted murder case.
Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick Van Wyk states “The confiscated firearms will be sent for forensic examination in order to determine if they were used during previous reported firearm-related offences.
Once charged, the suspects are expected to appear in the Wynberg and Atlantis Magistrates courts on the mentioned charges.”
Van Wyk also states that this continued successful recovery and seizure of firearms is the result of an active increase in crime prevention operations, community intel, and police visibility.
As reported by IOL, Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile thanks the community for their involvement in reporting crimes and commends AGU Combat Team members for their efforts.
“Every illegal firearm confiscated, is a weapon that is no longer available to be used in the commission of a serious crime,” says Patekile.
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