Anti-Gang Unit continue to rid the streets of illegal firearms

PORT ELIZABETH – It is evident from the recoveries of firearms, ammunition and drugs, that the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) working in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is turning the tide on the proliferation of illegal firearms.

On Friday morning, 09 August 2019, AGU members working in the Motherwell cluster were quick to respond to a business robbery in NU 29. The suspects managed to flee however a 9mm Glock pistol was found lying nearby. The serial number had been filed off.

On Saturday, 10 August 2019 at about 22:35, AGU members were conducting foot patrols in the Vastrap area in Bethelsdorp when they spotted a suspicious person walking. As soon as he saw the police, he threw a 9mm pistol on the ground. The 21-year-old gang member was arrested and detained on a charge of prohibited possession of a firearm and ammunition. The serial number had been filed off.

Also on Saturday, 10 August 2019, AGU members while executing a search warrant at a known gang member’s house in Gail Road in Gelvandale, arrested a 26-year-old suspect in possession of ammunition and drugs. Three (3) 9mm rounds of ammunition, 45 packets of tik, 3 cell phones and cash were confiscated. The suspect was detained on charges of illegal possession of ammunition and possession of drugs.

On Sunday, 11 August 2019 at about 10:30, AGU members spotted a known gang member in Ext 34 in Bethelsdorp and stopped to question him. The suspect ran into an open field behind Cherry Avenue. Members chased after him and after searching him, they did not find anything on him. Upon searching the area where the suspect was seen walking, a .38 special revolver (Rossi) was found in the field. The firearm was reported stolen in Jansenville in February 2019. No arrest was made and an enquiry docket has been opened for further investigation.

The arrested persons will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 August 2019.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga commended the team for their concerted efforts to eradicate the heinous crimes affecting the communities of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. ‘Your dedication and loyalty to the communities is proof that you have heeded to your calling. Continue to breathe down the necks of these lawbreakers and they must know that we will hunt them down whether they are in the streets, street corners, houses or on their doorsteps. We will flush them out. We will continue until we win the war on gang-related violence in the Metro,’ added Lt Gen Ntshinga.