CAPE TOWN - Police have launched a search for the suspects behind a large quantity of ammunition abandoned in an unused basement of an office block in the city centre.
More than 800 rounds of various calibres and an ammunition loader were seized when Maitland Flying Squad members reacted to a complaint on Friday and found the 805 rounds of ammunition. No arrests have been made.
“Firearm-related crime and the illegal possession of firearms are high on the priority list of the Western Cape. Our operations are directed to bring offenders to book and to remove these weapons from the streets,” said police spokesperson Andrè Traut.
Members from the same flying squad arrested a 33-year old-man who failed to produce a licence for the 9mm pistol in his possession on Friday.
They were conducting a stop and search operation in Mfuleni when they came across the armed individual.
“In Manenberg a 25-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after members responded to a shooting incident in 15th Avenue and caught the suspect armed with a 357 Magnum revolver,” said Traut.
Meanwhile, efforts to bring stability to crime affected areas were rewarded with the arrest of six suspects in possession of unlicensed firearms on Saturday.
A tip-off led to the arrest of five suspects aged between 33 and 49 in Gugulethu at an address in NY137.
The house was searched and two unlicensed firearms confiscated.
“In Samora Machel members of the George Public Order Policing on detached duties in Cape Town spotted a suspicious person and conducted a body search.
“The suspect was armed with an unlicensed 9mm pistol and arrested. Once charged, the six suspects are expected to make their court appearances in Athlone,” said Traut.
Cape Times