Gqeberha police say they’ve recovered more than 150 illegal firearms in the last three months, with another three seized recently in the northern and hotspot areas of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscialla Naidu said the three illegal guns were seized in separate incidents in Schauderville, Gelvandale and Walmer, respectively.
She said the recovered guns – that include two 9mm pistols – will be sent for ballistic tests.
Three men between the ages of 18 and 43 are expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrates court on Monday.
“In the first incident, at about 21:30 on Saturday, SAPS Gelvandale Crime Prevention members were patrolling in Dinsmore Road in Schauderville when they noticed a man dressed in dark clothing,” Colonel Naidu said in a statement.
“As they stopped the police vehicle, the person started running.
Members were hot on his heels, and noticed that as he ran, he threw something on the ground. He was apprehended.
A 9mm pistol, 7 rounds of ammunition and a small packet of Khat were confiscated.
The 18 year old teenager is detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as possession of drugs.”
Colonel Naidu added: “On the same evening, at about 23:35, Gqeberha K9 unit assisted by the Flying Squad members stopped a white VW Golf with four male occupants in the Walmer area.
As the vehicle stopped, members noticed some fidgeting in the vehicle. The occupants were taken out and searched.
A 43 year old male was arrested with possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
Also in another incident, SAPS Gelvandale members also arrested a 27 year old male on Thursday 18/05 on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm.”