The vigilance of a member, attached to the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team (CCCT) who were conducting stop and search crime prevention operations in Enkuluekweni Street, Zone -5 in Thembalethu last night, Saturday, 25 September 2021, ensured the apprehension of a 36-year-old suspect in connection with the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The members on patrol spotted the suspect in the mentioned street and upon approach, the suspect suddenly started to run from the members and jump the fence of one of the homes. Members immediately gave chase and noticed how the suspect disposed of something on the ground, whist fleeing. The member attached to the Eden Cluster caught up with the suspect and apprehended him. Upon searching the suspect, the member found a revolver with life rounds of ammunition as well as two cartridges in his possession. The revolver’s serial number was erased.

The recovered firearm was handed in as evidence and will be sent to our forensic Laboratory for ballistic tests to determine whether it might have been used in the commission of serious and other crime.

The suspect is being detained at the Thembalethu SAPS holding cells and is scheduled to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrates’ court on Monday, 27 September 2021, facing charges relating to the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The Acting Eden cluster Commander, Brigadier Phumzile Cetyana commended the members involved in the arrest of the suspect for their vigilance and endurance to bring culprits of crime to book. “Their effort to eradicate the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition does not go unnoticed and create a safer environment for the Southern Cape residents”, he concluded.

Source: South African Police Service