On Monday, 14 March 2022 at about 16:20 members attached to Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team conducted patrols in Pacaltsdorp when they noticed a juvenile acting suspiciously. They approached the boy and proceeded with a search of a black bag in his possession when they found a home-made gun (zip gun) with one 9mm round inside. The members confiscated the illicit firearm and subsequently arrested the 16 year old juvenile on a charge of possession of unlicensed firearm.
Later the same day (2022-03-14) the team in conjunction with Outeniqua K9 and Pacaltsdorp Crime Prevention Unit members operationalised information on a known highflyer when they spotted a vehicle, Volkswagen Classic, at Pacaltsdorp. They brought the vehicle to a halt and a search ensued when drugs were found inside. Further investigation took the members to a residence at Zone 9, Thembalethu where more drugs were found concealed amongst the laundry of the occupant of the premises.
The police confiscated 545 mandrax tablets, 104 grams of tik as well as 15 gram of khat powder and arrested the 39-year-old man on a charge of possession of drugs.
Both suspects remains in police custody. They are expected to appear in the George Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, 16 March 2022.
The efforts of these units are commended by Western Cape police management as it is in line with policing priorities to rid local communities of illegal firearms as well as drugs which threatens the safety of the broader public.