Gauteng police recovers 60 firearms

The Gauteng police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and relevant partners, have collectively recovered over 60 firearms and over 700 rounds of ammunition and arrested scores of suspects in a week (16 – 23 January 2023).

60 FIREARMS RECOVERED IN GAUTENG

Over 30 suspects are in police custody for unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela said police would continue to address the proliferation of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in circulation in the commission of serious and violent crimes.

 Mawela commended his members for their latest successes achieved.

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GAUTENG POLICE ARRESTED 30 SUSPECTS

“These recent successes result from the police’s relentless efforts to address crime in the province through its multi-disciplinary Safer Festive Season Campaign 2022/23, Operation O Kae Molao.”

Elias Mawela

These operations include routine crime prevention patrols, stop-and-searches, and community tip-offs. Community members also voluntarily surrender unwanted firearms.

Members of Ekurhuleni Flying Squad recovered a firearm and ammunition in abandoned vehicle on the N12 Freeway near the Tom Jones off-ramp on Saturday, 21 January 2023,

POLICE FOUND A FIREARM IN AN ABANDONED VEHICLE

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The driver of the said abandoned vehicle reportedly fled on foot following a collision on the N12 Freeway.

This firearm is linked to a case in Reigerpark.

In an unrelated incident, on Monday, 16 January 2023, members of Ekurhuleni District in collaboration with Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) arrested a 30-year-old suspect in Boksburg North following a pointing of a firearm incident.

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The arrest followed a tip-off. Police searched the said address and found two imitation firearms and ammunition.

“I would like to thank my members and our partners for their concerted efforts to remove unlicensed firearms and ammunition still in circulation.

“The SAPS remains resolute in its efforts to ensure all citizens and visitors to the province are safe and feel safe.”

Elias Mawela

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All the firearms will be subjected to a ballistic test to determine whether it can be linked to other serious crimes committed.

Community members are urged to report a crime to their nearest police station.

You can also call the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS.

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