Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner applauds excellent arrests and confiscation of firearms

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene commended the team of police officers for their outstanding efforts in executing a precise and intelligence-driven operation, leading to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of seven firearms, in Polar Park in Gqeberha today.

The operation led by Crime Intelligence in Gqeberha also comprised of members from the Tactical Response Team, NMD District Crime Combatting Unit and Anti-Gang Unit, followed up on information received of a group of suspicious men congregating at the Bloemendal Arterial Road in Polar Park. Observation duties were held, and the information was operationalised when members swooped in on the unsuspecting group. A total of eight suspects were apprehended as they tried to flee from police. A total of 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.

The suspects aged between 25 and 45 are detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of hijacked vehicle. The Nissan NP200 bakkie was hijacked in Kwamagxaki in December 2023. Investigators will be probing their possible links to other crimes.

They are expected to appear in court soon.

Lt Gen Mene has hailed the arrests and confiscations of the firearms as a major breakthrough for the police. ‘These suspects were about to commit a serious crime with these weapons. Such calibre 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. This breakthrough is a pivotal step towards clamping down on organised crime,’ added Lt Gen Mene.