NELSON MANDELA BAY SETS SIGHTS ON SEIZING ILLEGAL GUNS

BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

Nelson Mandela Bay top cop sets sights on seizing illegal
Police in Nelson Mandela Bay have confiscated an average of more than one firearm a day for the month of October, reinforcing their renewed efforts to eradicate illegal weapons and ensure the safety of the community at large.

During the first three weeks of the month, a total of 32 illegal firearms were recovered, and while these figures are encouraging, Nelson Mandela Bay district police commissioner Major-General Vuyisile Ncata believes more can be done to curb the scourge.


In one of the latest recoveries, on Sunday afternoon, members of Gqeberha’s anti-gang unit responded to reports of shots being fired in Barcelona at about 3pm, leading to the arrest of a 31-year-old man.

In Bramlin Markman Street, police spotted a man with a firearm and chased after him in their vehicle and on foot.

After the man was cornered in a yard in Uranus Street, he turned and allegedly pointed the firearm at officers, who in turn opened fire and wounded the man in both legs.

It was established later that the 9mm pistol recovered on the scene had been reported stolen in East London in January 2019.

The man was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and will also face a charge of pointing a firearm.

Another 9mm pistol was recovered on Friday and a 23-year-old suspected gang affiliate arrested at a club in Smilex Street, Salsoneville, after a tip-off.

Several other operations last week also led to the arrest of 11 people in Bethelsdorp and 25 in Walmer, suspected of various crimes including murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and charges related to stolen goods and drugs.

Ncata commended police members for their efforts, in particular the operation that led to the recovery of illegal firearms.

Since his appointment in July, Ncata has dedicated time and resources specifically at removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminal elements in the Bay.“We are taking firearms off the streets, but it is concerning to see there are still many firearms going onto the streets when they are taken during burglaries and robberies,” Ncata said.We find that homes are targeted specifically because of their likelihood to have firearms.

“Security operatives and armed guards have also fallen prey to these criminals, and recently we even had an incident where a traffic officer was killed for her firearm.”

Ncata said he would like to see more formal engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority to follow up on cases where suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms.

He said the police should be able to track the progress of these cases, and he would like to see harsher sentences.

“Firearms are the weapon of choice for criminals, and the theft and illegal possession of firearms often lead to much more serious crime.

“We need to chase harsher sentences as a deterrent for would-be criminals.”

Ncata said he also aimed to embark on a campaign to check up on legitimate firearm owners, to ensure they were adhering to the required regulations.

Part of this campaign would include verifying addresses, safe inspections and checking if firearm licences were up to date.