Police officers involved in Operation Combat acted swiftly on information on Saturday (4 November) and arrested two suspects for illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition in Bishop Lavis.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said at around 16:00 police officials of Operation Combat were busy with a crime intelligence driven operation in the Bishop Lavis area.
“Officers were still on their way to execute the operation when they heard over the radio about a shooting incident that was taking place at the corners of Simonsberg and Rose streets. They moved towards the location and on arrival they found a male that was shot twice in his head and twice in his left arm.”
Van Wyk said the victim died on the scene and while the officers were still on the scene, they received information about a firearm that is being kept at a residence in Bream Way in Bishop Lavis.
“The officers then made their way to the new location and on arrival they spoke to the owner and another male person that was present, explained the reason for them being there and upon searching [the premises], they found a 9mm Z88 pistol with the serial number filed off, 1 x 9mm magazine and 16 x 9mm live rounds.”
He said no one could give ownership for the firearm and both the 40 and 49-year-old males were arrested for the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
“While the members were making their way out to their vehicle with the arrested suspects, the community and 28 gang members started attacking the police with stones. Officers took action to disperse the crowd,” Van Wyk said.
“Three people, a 21-year-old female and two males aged 27 and 48, were also arrested on charges of public violence.”
The arrested suspects were set to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Monday 6 November.
