Eastern Cape police arrested eight suspects and recovered seven firearms during an intelligence-driven operation in Polar Park in Gqeberha on Monday.
Members of Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, NMD 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.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said observation duties were held before members swooped in on the unsuspecting group.
According to Naidu, 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.
"Two bakkies, a Nissan Double Cab and a Nissan NP200 were also seized," she said.
The suspects aged between 25-45 years are detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of ammunition, and possession of a hijacked vehicle.
The Nissan NP200 bakkie was hijacked in Kwamagxaki in December 2023.
Investigators will be probing their possible links to other crimes and they will appear in court soon.
Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene praised those involved in the operation and hailed it a breakthrough for the police.
Mene said the suspects were about to commit serious crimes with the weapons.
"Such caliber of weapons are usually used in cash-in-transit heists and serious crimes.
"The successful culmination of this intelligence-driven operation is a testament to our untiring commitment to public safety.
"We are aware of the gravity of these criminal elements and their activities, and we will work closely with the prosecuting authority to ensure that they remain behind bars," said Mene.
