South African Police Service (SAPS) members within the OR Tambo District are intensifying operations to enhance community safety. Their commitment has already yielded promising results, including the recovery of unlicensed firearms and stolen livestock in recent raids.
Recently police officers from the Joe Gqabi Tactical Response Team deployed in the OR Tambo District acted on intelligence regarding a 39-year-old suspect in Tsolo. The man, driving a Ford Ranger bakkie, was stopped, leading to the discovery of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition hidden under the driver’s seat. Investigators learned that the firearm had been reported stolen in Cape Town back in 1999.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Port St Johns, police discovered a prohibited homemade shotgun hidden under a mattress at the home of a 34-year-old suspect.
Additionally, in Tsolo and Qumbu under Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality, police members successfully recovered 32 stolen sheep valued at approximately R50,000, returning them to their rightful owner. Although the suspects fled upon seeing police, their efforts have reinforced a sense of safety for residents.
Major General Norman Modishana commended the police for their proactive approach, emphasizing that reducing illegal firearms is essential for peaceful communities.
