The Garden Route District members, in line with the CEPPAT provincial policing strategy, displayed their vigilance and commitment as they arrested three men and discovered two unlicensed firearms in their vehicle on the N2 highway near Plettenberg Bay, resulting in their arrest.
On Thursday, June 1, 2023, around 12:30 a.m., police officers conducted an integrated roadblock and flagged down a Volkswagen T-Cross. The occupants of the vehicle exhibited suspicious behavior, prompting the diligent members to conduct a thorough search. During the search, a handgun was found at the feet of one passenger, while another was concealed in a plastic bag at the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the officers seized 3 grams of cocaine found inside the vehicle. Consequently, all three occupants were arrested on the spot.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects, who were en-route to Knysna at the time of their apprehension, originate from various towns in the Eastern Cape. The three individuals, aged between 32 and 33, are scheduled to make their initial court appearance at the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 2, 2023. They face charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of drugs. Currently, the trio remains in police custody.
Meanwhile, on the night of June 1, 2023, around 10:15 p.m., the Rural Flying Squad and Crime Intelligence conducted an intelligence-driven operation on a farm in Harkerville, situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. A meticulous search of the premises ensued, leading to the discovery of various calibers of ammunition, a Browning pistol, and a zip gun. As a result, the 56-year-old occupant of the property was promptly arrested for possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The suspect is currently in custody and will appear in court once charged. This operation serves as a testament to the dedication and coordinated efforts of the Garden Route District members in ensuring the safety and security of the region, actively working to combat the possession of illegal firearms and the presence of drugs in the community.
#sapsWC Rural Flying Squad and Crime Intelligence conducted an intelligence driven operation and arrested a suspect (56) at a farm in Harkerville where police found various round of ammunition, one pistol as well as a zip gun. #GunsOffTheStreets NPhttps://t.co/4d3Uhr8Cr7 pic.twitter.com/KSPOlPQmzQ
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 2, 2023
