The Gauteng police department has achieved remarkable success in their goal to curb the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms on the streets. In the past two weeks, they have recovered over 400 firearms and approximately 7,581 rounds of ammunition through various crime prevention actions, intelligence-driven operations, and the weekly Operation Shanela initiative.
Successful Collaborative Efforts Lead To Arrest Of Four Suspects
On August 9th, 2023, members of the Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Bad Boys Security, and Blue Hawk Tactical received information about illegal miners who were allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Primrose area. A collaborative effort between the teams led to the arrest of four suspects. The police found a rifle, ammunition, and 13 bags of gold-bearing soil in their possession. All four were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of gold-bearing material, and bribery, as one of the suspects attempted to bribe the police for his release.
Putfontein Members Recover Firearm with a Filed-off Serial Number
In a separate incident in the Ekurhuleni District, Putfontein members followed up on information that led them to recover a firearm with a filed-off serial number. The police arrested two suspects and charged them with possession of unlicensed firearms.
Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad Members Arrest Three Suspects
A team comprising Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad members received information about individuals planning a business robbery in the Diepkloof area. Upon identifying the vehicle suspected to be used by the perpetrators, the police stopped and searched it, discovering a revolver with a filed-off serial number and ammunition. All three occupants were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The police also seized the vehicle suspected to be involved in the commission of the crime.
The Effectiveness of Collaborative Efforts
Most of these recoveries were made during routine patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and crime prevention operations conducted throughout Gauteng province. These efforts are a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement members and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears (E2) project.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Praises Partnership Policing
Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, commended the prompt response of law enforcement members and private security companies to tip-offs and community-provided intelligence information. He attributed these successes to partnership policing, stating, “Together, we can fight against crime and make our province a safe place to be.”
