Ekurhuleni: Members of SAPS Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence Office successfully executed operations leading to the removal of five unlicensed firearms from the streets of Ekurhuleni. Acting on intelligence, the officers targeted individuals suspected of possessing and hiring out unlicensed firearms in the Germiston area.
According to South African Police Service, on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted with members of Germiston Crime Prevention. The operation led to the arrest of a suspect at his residence on Matthe Street, Diniwiddie. Upon gaining permission to search the premises, officers discovered three unlicensed firearms stored in metal safes, including two revolvers and a 9 mm Lamma Parabellum, along with multiple rounds of ammunition. The 47-year-old suspect failed to provide satisfactory explanations for possessing the firearms and was subsequently detained at SAPS Germiston.
In a separate incident on the same day, a 30-year-old suspect was apprehended at Nkalankala Street, Mayfield in Putfontein. During an intelligence-driven operation with the EMPD Tracing Unit, the suspect, believed to be linked to a prison gang and involved in local robberies, was found with a 9 mm pistol and a magazine containing seven live rounds.
Additionally, on Thursday, 20 March 2025, another operation led to the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect in the Phomolong Section, Rabie Ridge. The suspect was found with a Norinco 9mm pistol and ammunition, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the SAPS Rabie Ridge Crime Prevention unit.
Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended the officers for their prompt actions in curbing criminal activities in the district.