Swift response by members of Maitland Flying Squad led to the arrested of two suspects after following up information about a hijacked vehicle near Paarl.
“On at about 20:30, members of Maitland Flying Squad, were on duty when they received information about a white Hyundai I 20 that was hijacked on a Lwandle case,” said police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk.
“Members followed up the information and found the vehicle on the N1 Freeway, near Paarl.
“The vehicle was pulled over and three suspects jumped out of vehicle and ran away.”
Two suspects, age 28, were arrested, the other suspect managed to evade his arrest and he is being sought.
He said that the vehicle was searched and three pistols were seized inside the vehicle.
The firearms are as follows:
- A CZ 9 mm pistol with no serial number, one magazine and 15×9 mm rounds,
- A P 7 9 mm pistol with no serial number, one magazine and one 9 mm round, and a
- Walther 9 mm pistol with no serial number, one magazine and six 9 mm rounds.
Maitland Flying Squad also arrested teen with illegal firearm
“The suspects were detained at Paarl SAPS on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and possession of hijacked motor vehicle.”
Capt Van Wyk said that on Wednesday morning, at about 04:15, members of Maitland Flying Squad, were busy to do stop and search operation in the Athlone area.
“They saw a suspicious looking male, when they approached him he ran away. Members chased and caught him and recovered a .45 Griffon pistol with ammunition in his possession,” he said.
“The serial number was filed off.
“A 19-year-old suspect from Kewtown, Athlone, was arrested on charges of possession of prohibited firearm and illegal possession ammunition.”
All suspects are due to appear in the Paarl and Athlone Magistrate’s Court once charged.
