Port Elizabeth police have arrested several suspects and seized several weapons in a crackdown in the city’s Northern Areas.
The 24-hour operation from Sunday to Monday came after five people were shot dead execution-style in a shack in Extension 33 on Saturday night.
In a statement Monday, police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that the operation was led by the Station Commander of the Bethelsdorp Police Station, Brigadier Zolani Xawuka.
She said units involved included the Visible Gang Intervention Team, Cluster Crime Combatting Unit, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing, the air-wing and members from SAPS Bethelsdorp.
Naidu said the five-hour operation yielded positive results and the following successes were achieved.
“About 10 search warrants were executed at houses in Bethelsdorp with a focus on drugs and firearms. During the execution at a house in Ext 33 a .38 firearm and 25 rounds were seized and enquiry docket opened. The owner failed to renew her licence since expiration in 2015.”
Naidu said dagga, tik and mandrax were also confiscated while three people were arrested for possession of drugs.
“While patrolling the area at about at 21:40 at Gloxinia Street Ext 34 Bethelsdorp ,members chased a suspect into a house in Gloxinia Street. While running the members noticed the suspect dropping something,” she said.
“The 23-year-old suspect was arrested and a VZOR 7.65 pistol and 8 rounds were recovered. The firearm was reported stolen in Humewood in March 2017. He was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and will appear in court on Tuesday, 2 May 2017,” said Naidu.
“Also on the same night members chased another suspect in Gloxinia Street and as he ran he threw down a bag. Suspect (24 years) old was arrested and a shotgun round was found in the bag. He was detained for unlawful possession of ammunition.”
“During the stop and searches, a 9mm browning pistol and 15 rounds was found behind the seat of a Gold Opel Zafira. The firearm was stolen in a Kabega Park case in August 2015. The driver was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” said Colonel Naidu.
The Acting Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Brig Keith Meyer has hailed the operation a success and has warned criminals that the SAPS will not tolerate criminality in the areas.
