The South African Police Services ongoing struggle to confiscate illegal firearms from the streets is yielding success, slowly but surely. This comes after three men were arrested in Hanover Park on the Cape Flats for the possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
According to police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit were deployed to the area following incidents of gang violence. Swartbooi says, the suspects, aged 24 to 49, were arrested after several houses in the neighbourhood were searched. Four pistols, several rounds of ammunition and four magazines were seized at the premises. SAPS confirmed that the firearms will be sent for ballistic analysis to determine possible links to other crime incidents.
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Brendon Opperman from Kraaifontein was handed a 35-year prison sentence in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, July 14.
Opperman was arrested during April 2019 in Scottsville when members of the Kraaifontein Crime Prevention Unit pursued information of firearms in his possession. His residence was then searched and two revolvers, four semi-automatic pistols, 2208 rounds of ammunition and 6507 mandrax tablets were confiscated.
In the meantime, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety has welcomed the extension on the deadline to make submissions on the Firearms Amendment Bill, which was granted by Police Minister Bheki Cele. The deadline has been extended to Monday, August 2.
READ ALSO:
Picture:Cape{town} Etc gallery