Police arrest 27-year-old man for illegal firearms in Manenberg

As the police intensified its efforts to prevent and combat illegal firearms in the Manenberg policing precinct, the Manenberg Crime Prevention Unit and Operation Shanela led to the arrest of a 27-year-old male in possession of two 9mm pistols and 17 rounds of ammunition last Tuesday.

Operation Shanela, led by police, is a nationwide crime-fighting initiative which assists the local police stations with the reduction of crime.

According to Manenberg police, the members were deployed within the hot spot area of Heideveld due to the gang violence within the volatile part of the Manenberg policing precinct, focused on combating gang violence and their illegal activities.

Manenberg police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett said as the two units patrolled the Heideveld station area, police noticed a suspicious person close to the railway footbridge. “When the male saw the SAPS members, he started to run wanting to cross the bridge into Gugulethu policing precinct. The members caught up with the male, who seemed to be holding something in both sides of his hips. As they got to him, he lifted his arms and released what he was holding. The two objects fell to the ground,” he said.

He said police confiscated the 9mm pistols with ammunition, and the serial numbers are still intact. Captain Bennett said the firearms would be sent for ballistic testing. He said the 27 year old male will appear in the Athlone Court soon.

Police said they continue to intensify their operations to remove illegal firearms to ensure safer communities. Police encourage anyone with information regarding illegal firearms and ammunition to contact Manenberg SAPS at 0216999400 or Crime Stop at 0860010111.