In the past week, police have made a number of arrests for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The first was on Tuesday September 12, when Manenberg police arrested a 44-year-old man and 30-year-old woman.
Police spokesman, Captain Ian Bennett explained that SAPS’ stabilisation unit had been deployed to the precinct to combat gang violence.
It was during one of their patrols, in Klipfontein Road, that police noticed a Nissan Murano whose occupants roused their suspicions.
Police then followed the vehicle to Tambo Village where they pulled the vehicle off the road and searched it, leading to the discovery of a high powered rifle with 105 rounds of ammunition in the boot of the car. It has been sent for ballistic testing and a case of possession of firearm and ammunition has been opened for investigation.
On Friday September 15 a 26-year-old man was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition during a Metro police crime prevention operation.
According to Captain Bennett, Metro police had seen a suspicious person in Manenberg Avenue and as they approached, him he started to run.
They managed to corner him and found a 9mm pistol with two magazines and 32 rounds of ammunition on him.
The serial number of the firearm had been filed off. An additional charge of possession of a prohibited firearm will also be added. The suspect was due to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday September 18.
The following day, Saturday September 16, an 18-year-old man was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Members of SAPS’ emergency response unit were patrolling the area when man a walking in Scheldt Road noticed police and started to run. When police caught and searched him, they found a 9mm pistol in his possession. He was arrested and was due to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday September 18.
On Friday September 15, four men aged between 28 and 33 years old were arrested for the possession of suspected stolen property.
According to Lansdowne police spokesman Captain Lance Goliath, Law Enforcement Officers had been patrolling in Old Strandfontein Road when they were stopped by complainant who told them that four men driving a white Avanza had attempted to break into his house and might still be in the area.
Police eventually found a white Toyota Avanza with four men matching the description given. On searching the vehicle, they found two plasma TVs, screwdrivers and other tools that can be used to break into houses. They could not provide police with a satisfactory answer as to where they got the TVs and were arrested. The suspects will face charges of possession of stolen property, and possession of house breaking. They were due to appear at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday September 18.
Anyone with information can contact Lansdowne detectives on 021 700 9000 or 082 576 2804.
On Wednesday September 13 a 63-year-old man was walking in Duinefontein Road Manenberg when he was caught in a gang crossfire between rival gangs.
According to Captain Bennett, the man had tried to run for cover but was hit in his right upper leg and was taken to Heideveld Emergency Centre for medical treatment. A case of attempted murder has been opened for investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this – or any other criminal incidents – can contact Manenberg SAPS on 021 699 9400 or crime stop on 0860010111.