Police efforts to eradicate the proliferation of illegal weapons were given a boost when three illegal firearms were recovered and one male suspect aged was 34 arrested yesterday at Ngqeleni. Police were informed about a male suspect in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition at Ngqeleni. An integrated search and seizure operation was conducted following information of illegal firearms, ammunition and a drug post at Lujecweni, Ngqeleni. Upon searching two shotguns were discovered on the premises and confiscated.
The firearms belonged to deceased owners and an enquiry was open. In a separate incident, a male suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs and for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. When he noticed the police coming he escaped and fled his homestead. Police conducted a search in the presence of his wife where drugs and cash were discovered. The man later came back and was arrested immediately. Police confiscated 34 small tik sachets, six (6) medium tik sachets, 23 boss mandraxes and an undisclosed amount of cash. All firearms will be taken for a ballistic test or ascertain their earlier use in the commission of a crime. The 44 years suspect is expected to appear at Ngqeleni magistrates’ court soon. Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga warned members of the public against keeping illegal firearms as police covert operations are leaving no stone unturned in search of illegal weapons.
