Police in the Eastern Cape are continuing with their efforts in clamping down cash-in-transit robberies as well as on the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province. During last week, a total of 33 firearms were confiscated in the province. The coordinated efforts reflected the dedication of police officers in fighting the increase of illegal firearms, which often result into serious and violent crimes in communities.
In the OR Tambo District, on Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at about 01:00, the Tactical Response (TRT) in Mthatha executed a search warrant at a house in Upper Ngqwarha location, Mqanduli while following up on information about the Cash-in-transit robbery, which was committed in Mqanduli on Friday, 05 July 2024. A 32-year-old man was found in possession of an Uzi rifle with ammunition. He was detained on a charge of possession of prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen from a private security company in Mqanduli more than three years ago (February 2021).
On further questioning the suspect, he led the police to a homestead in Mpunzana location, Mthatha, where a silver grey Toyota Corolla was found parked in the garage. The vehicle was positively linked to a business robbery in Sterkspruit this month. The man is due to appear in court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. The suspect is expected to be later charged for robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The firearm will be sent to ballistics for analysis, while the vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene welcome the arrest and the recoveries. The established CIT task team consisting of members attached to TRT, DPCI and tracking team is swiftly responding to the challenges of organised crimes in the province, and is showing its unwavering commitment to deal with CIT robberies. Police will remain committed to deal decisively with criminals”, added Lt Gen Mene.