Metro Police Routine Patrols Uncover Illegal Firearms and Narcotics

Metro Police officers have had a successful week, apprehending suspects throughout the city during routine patrols for offences ranging from possession of an illegal firearm to drunk driving.

Quick-thinking officers arrested five suspects on charges of possession of an illegal firearm and rounds of ammunition earlier today, 20 January 2011. While conducting routine patrols near Mitchell's Plain, the officers pulled over a suspicious-looking vehicle on the corner of AZ Berman Drive and the R300. Upon searching the vehicle and its five occupants, officers found and confiscated a 9mm Parabellum firearm (with its serial number removed) and a magazine containing nine 9mm rounds of ammunition. All five occupants were arrested and taken to the Mitchell's Plain Police Station.

Meanwhile, in Lavender Hill, officers arrested one suspected for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition as well as threatening an officer with a firearm. Officers were conducting routine patrols in the area when a man noticed them and fled. Two of the officers gave chase on foot and caught up with the suspect in Grindel Avenue. The suspect drew a firearm and pointed it at the officers, but one of the officers managed to grab him from behind. Officers confiscated the suspect's 9mm Parabellum firearm, two magazines, and 31 x 9mm rounds of ammunition.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday evening, 18 January, Metro Police specialised units executed search warrants during several joint operations with the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Delft. The officers arrested four suspects for possession of narcotics and possession of an unlicensed firearm during raids on suspected drug dens.

The following items were confiscated during the operations:

• 196 packets of TIK
• one dagga stop
• 44 Mandrax Tablets
• one CZ 75 firearm
• 15 x 9mm rounds of ammunition

On Sunday evening, 16 January, specialised units arrested two suspects in Heather Park in Eerste Rivier on charges of possession of narcotics. The officers were acting on a tip-off from members of the public suggesting that drug-dealing was taking place at a house in the neighbourhood. Upon searching the suspects and the house, officers found and confiscated 21 TIK straws and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Earlier on Sunday, Metro Police officers arrested 14 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol during a roadblock on Baden Powell Drive in Muizenberg. Officers also issued 53 traffic fines and recorded two By-Law contraventions.

Meanwhile, officers conducted routine vehicle and foot patrols in the Helderberg and Khayelitsha areas, focusing on anti-social behaviour and traffic offences. Officers issued a total of 229 traffic fines totalling over R90 000, recorded three By-Law contraventions, and confiscated 21 counterfeit DVDs.

"The successes this week are all thanks to the quick responses by our officers and their willingness to follow up information received from the public. We are pleased that the community have confidence in our officers. Residents are encouraged to call on our officers for assistance and to please report any criminal activity to the Metro Police," said Metro Police Deputy Chief, Yolanda Faro.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town