Johannesburg – At least five Somalian nationals were arrested in Khayelitsha on Thursday for unlicensed firearms, police said.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut said Khayelitsha police conducted an operation in the area in search for prohibited firearms following a tip-off from the community.
"The first premises on the list was a shop operated by a Somalian man in Site B where a search led to the discovery of an unlicensed 9mm firearm and a 18 year- old suspect was arrested," said Traut.
"We proceeded to the second identified premises, also a Somalian owned shop in Site B where a search resulted in the discovery of another unlicensed firearm, a 38 special and five rounds of ammunition. Two suspects aged 28 and 38 were arrested." Traut said while in the area they searched two Somalian shop owners.
"Upon searching their premises an unlicensed 9mm firearm with five rounds of ammunition concealed in a cooking pot was discovered. Both suspects aged 27 and 29 were arrested."
Traut said once charged, all five suspects will make a court appearance in Khayelitsha on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.