Man arrested for possession of illegal, unlicensed firearms

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A man was arrested and four firearms with ammunition recovered at Tsakane, Ekurhuleni on Wednesday.

The law enforcement team comprising of Provincial Task Team, Flying Squad, Sedibeng K9, Katlehong Task Team and JMPD operationalised intelligence driven information about a man in possession of unlicensed firearms at Khuthuza hostel in Thokoza.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a tactical takedown was swiftly conducted at the place and the identified room was searched.

“The police found three firearms; a shotgun, AK-47 and Uzi machine gun, all hidden inside a bag under the bed. One suspect aged 21 years old was arrested.

“Our members further seized another firearm at Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, which also reportedly belong to the same suspect.

“All four firearms are not licensed and will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish if they have not been used to commit other crimes and the suspect will also be profiled for for linkage to other cases, she stated.

Col Nevhuhulwi added that he is expected to appear before Tsakane Magistrates’ court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms.

Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested for attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle.

“Members were executing their normal patrol duties when they noticed a suspicious Mercedes Benz with no less than five occupants inside, Col Nevhuhulwi said.

She continued; “The vehicle was stopped and one occupant alighted from the vehicle with a firearm on his hand. The members pointed him with firearms and he retreated back to the vehicle.

“A chase ensued and the suspects started firing some shots at the police, who retaliated. The suspects drove into one of the companies in Edenvale and abandoned the car.

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“Backup was activated and three suspects were cornered after jumping into the back of the premises and two firearms with filed off serial numbers and the vehicle were recovered.”

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had just committed business robbery in Meadowdale shopping centre and the vehicle was used as a getaway car.