The South African Police Service in Western Cape remains determined in recovering firearms and ammunition which are illegally in possession of criminals across the province.
On 10 July 2024 at 16.15, members attached to Maitland Flying Squad were patrolling in Delft area when community members stopped and alerted them of a robbery in progress. The members responded and heard shots being fired nearby. The members caught one suspect who dropped a revolver on the ground. The 24-year-old suspect was arrested for attempted murder, armed robbery and the unlawful possession of a firearm. He was detained at Delft SAPS and will appear in the Bluedowns Magistrate’s Court soon on the mentioned charges.
In an unrelated matter on 10 July 2024 at about 14:00, Ceres police arrested three suspects aged 30, 36 and 42 on charges of attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm as well as resisting arrest, following a complaint of an attempted robbery at a furniture store in Ceres.
SAPS members responded to the complaint and on their arrival they were informed about three suspicious males who entered the store. They then left the store and moved in the direction of the Van Breda Bridge in Voortrekker Road, Ceres. The complainant showed the direction in which the suspects fled. The members chased down the suspects and upon conducting a search of the suspects, police seized one imitation firearm and one cellphone.
They are due to appear in the Ceres Magistrates court on 12 July 2024 on the mentioned charges.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv) Thembisile Patekile, welcomed the arrest and seizure of unlicensed firearms. Community members are urged to report crime to their nearest police station by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App.
