Three individuals, believed to be members of a taxi association patrol team, were apprehended on the 12th of June, 2023 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Centurion, South Africa. The Taxi Violence Task Team acted on a tip-off and informed law enforcement authorities, who swiftly responded and made the arrests.
Blocking of Olivenhoutbosch Road
According to the police, the alleged members of the taxi association patrol squad were blocking Olivenhoutbosch Road in Centurion while carrying unlicensed firearms. In response, the Taxi Violence Task Team called for backup from the Highway Patrol Unit and took immediate action to intercept the suspects.
Arrest and Charges
Upon arriving at the scene, the police searched the suspects and found three loaded pistols with defaced serial numbers. In addition, they discovered an abandoned firearm in nearby bushes. The suspects were arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Court Appearance and Ballistic Testing
The three apprehended men are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate Court on June 14, 2023. In the meantime, the police will conduct a thorough profiling of the suspects and submit the seized firearms for ballistic testing to determine whether the weapons were involved in any criminal activities.
Combating Illegal Firearms
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Gauteng police to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region. Over the weekend, the authorities recovered a total of 52 unlicensed firearms and 610 rounds of ammunition during various operations and stop-and-search initiatives. This achievement demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies to maintaining safety and security on the streets of Gauteng.
Reporting Illegal Firearm Possession
As part of their commitment to promoting safer communities, the police encourage citizens to report individuals known to possess illegal firearms. Citizens can provide information through the MySAPS Application or by calling the Crime Stop number (08600 10111). The anonymity of callers will be maintained to protect whistleblowers, and the information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The arrest of these alleged taxi association members highlights the ongoing issue of illegal firearms and their potential threat to public safety. Collaborative efforts between the police and local communities are crucial in identifying, apprehending, and charging those in possession of such weapons. By doing so, the streets of Gauteng and other regions can become safer for everyone, allowing residents to lead a more secure and peaceful life.
