Seven suspects to appear before court for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Western Cape
 

WESTERN CAPE – Seven adult males are expected to appear in Athlone Magistrates court for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in isolated cases.

Philippi police were busy with tracing a person of interest on Sunday 21 July 2024 and entered a premises in Moray Court in Hanoverpark. Upon entry they saw a man known to them running in the direction of the kitchen. The police officers followed the man and apprehended him. They searched the area in close proximity where they found the suspect and confiscated a 9mm pistol with ammunition hidden in a washing machine. They arrested the adult male for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Maitland Flying Squad members pursued information of a possible armed robbery near to Athlone on Tuesday 23 July 2024. They proceeded to Vanguard Drive and spotted a white Toyota double cab LDV which fitted the description close to a local shopping centre. The driver of the motor vehicle sped away when he saw the patrol vehicle which ultimately resulted in a high speed chase. The police officers forced the drive to stop and restrained the six occupants. They searched the vehicle and the occupants and recovered two firearms and ammunition. They detained the suspects for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The suspects are expected to make their respective court appearances in the Athlone Magistrates court on the mentioned charges.
End

Enquiries:
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi
071 604 8321
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za