Police officers in Gqeberha continue in their endeavours to make an impact through Operation Bamba and the results have proven to be positive.
Confiscating illegal firearms helps make our communities safer by reducing the potential for violent crimes. Police in the Nelson Mandela Bay district have left no stone unturned in eradicating illegal firearms with the arrest of suspects and confiscation of four firearms and various ammunition over the weekend. This is a positive step towards promoting public safety and protecting innocent lives.
The first firearm was recovered on Saturday 12 April 2025, at approximately 21h20, at the corner of Zama Street and Makgatho Street, NU10, Motherwell. SAPS members were busy with crime prevention operations in hotspot areas in Motherwell. While patrolling the members noticed a white VW Polo without number plates. The SAPS members stopped the vehicle and during a routine inspection the members noticed that the passenger at the back dropped an object out of the window, while a second suspect seated in the front also dropped an object. Upon further investigation, the members confiscated one Walther 9mm firearm with the serial number filed off and one 9mm Parabellum firearm with the serial number filed off and 31 x 9mm ammunition. Two suspects were detained on charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, the white VW Polo was also confiscated.
In another unrelated incident in KwaNobuhle policing precinct, on Sunday 13 April 2025 at approximately 23:40, SAPS members were looking for a wanted suspect in Mabandla road, KwaNobuhle. As the members entered the premises they found four males sitting in the yard, the members searched a backpack, and during the search the members found a disassembled firearm. They also found a silver slide with one recoil spring and rod in the bag. Two firearm side covers and other small parts of the firearm were also recovered. The members also found ammunition in the bag. The suspect (37) was arrested and detained on unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
In the last incident, SAPS Walmer arrested two suspects on charges of rape, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and pointing of firearm. It is alleged that on Saturday 12 April 2025 at approximately 03:00 SAPS Walmer responded to a complaint of rape in Fairview. The members were unable to gain access to the premises, however the members followed up on information and returned to the complex, still not knowing where the victim was. The members knocked on every door and found the complainant with another friend and two male suspects. The one victim explained that she and her friend were raped by the two males and the complainant also pointed a firearm that the suspects used to threaten them. The two suspects aged 24 and 25 were arrested and the firearm confiscated.
The week’s operations conducted from 07 to 14 April 2025 resulted in the following results; suspects arrested on charges of murder, attempted murder, rape, hijacking, possession of stolen/hijacked vehicle, house robbery and robbery with firearm.
The arrested suspects have or will be appearing in their respective courts soon.
With the looming Easter weekend ahead, operations will run concurrent with Operation Bamba in order to create a greater impact and to ensure that during this period, all citizens are and feel safe.
Operation “Bamba” hits hard on criminalshttps://t.co/ezRQn33fWp#ArriveAlive #GunsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/gcZlhbcFcr
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 14, 2025
