COPS HAVE BUSY WEEKEND

CAPE Town cops had a busy Easter weekend, making numerous arrests in their war on drugs and gun violence.

Arrests began before the long weekend started with police detaining four suspects on Thursday, who they found in possession of a prohibited firearm, ammunition and drugs in separate incidents.

SAPS spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the Gugulethu Crime Prevention Unit conducted compliance inspections at a spaza shop when they saw a man who changed direction when he saw the patrol vehicle and fled the scene.

He reports: “The police members gave chase, apprehended the man and found him in possession of a pistol with ammunition. The members expanded their search to the house of the suspect where they then searched the premises and in the process confiscated drugs and ammunition and arrested two women.”

Separately, Ravensmead police detained a 25-year-old man for dealing in drugs. 

Swartbooi adds: “Once charged the suspects will make their respective court appearances in the Athlone and Goodwood Magistrates Courts on the mentioned charges.”

Philippi East police also detained a 21-year old-man who was found in possession of a pistol with ammunition without a valid licence on Saturday.

Swartbooi explains: “The members were driving down Marcus Garvey when they noticed a man who appeared to be extremely nervous upon noticing the patrol vehicle.

“The members approached the man, searched him and recovered a 9mm pistol with ammunition, three magazines of which two are extended magazines. They detained the man for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.”

Once charged, he is expected to make a court appearance in the Athlone Magistrates Court.