Heavily armed policemen were present in the Gqeberha Magistrates Court on Tuesday when the eight men arrested in connection with a cache of illegal firearms made a brief appearance.
The accused are: Talent Katsuwa (37), Lazola Mjekula (35), Lilitha Cuthubele (22), Thembani Nephia Magenuka (43), Mkhuseli Dangala (39), Nkululeko Mphathi Jamnda (30), Aviwe Solani (23), and Simbabalwe Singwendu (27).
They were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation in Polar Park in January, and face charges of the illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of ammunition, and possession of a hijacked vehicle.
Also read: Weapons seized in GQ organised crime crackdown
Only seven of the eight accused were present in court when the matter was called.
State prosecutor Melani Hammett informed the court that Singwendu had to appear in court in Fort Beaufort, on an unrelated matter.
She also said that Cuthubele had decided to abandon his bid for bail.
His seven co-accused will launch their bids for bail on 4 March.
Members of Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, NMB District Crime Combatting Unit, and the Anti-Gang Unit followed up on information received about a group of suspicious men congregating at the Bloemendal Arterial Road in Polar Park.
According to police, observation duties were held before members swooped in on the unsuspecting group.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the eight suspects were apprehended as they tried to flee from police.
Seven firearms including a rifle, an AK 47, a shotgun, and pistols with ammunition were confiscated.
Also read: Eight in GQ court on weapons charges
