GQEBERHA – Two firearms were recovered and two suspects were arrested in separate incidents this weekend in the Bethelsdorp policing area while police were engaging in high visibility patrols in the hotspot areas.

In the first incident, on Friday evening, 4 February 2022, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in William Slammert Drive, conducting stop and searches in one of the gang’s hotspot areas when they stopped a suspicious looking male and searched him. A black Rossi revolver (serial number filed off) with five rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested and detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

In another incident, on Saturday morning, 5 February 2022, Gqeberha Flying Squad members were also on patrol in Jacksonville when they heard gunshots emanating from the Jackson cemetery. They immediately responded and spotted a bakkie exiting the cemetery. The bakkie was stopped and the occupants searched. One person (age unknown) was found in possession of a colt 7.65 pistol (serial number filed off). He was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Monday, 7 February 2022. The firearms will be sent to ballistics for forensic analysis.

Source: South African Police Service