GQEBERHA – Maintaining heightened visibility in crime hotspot areas will always be positive as the space of criminals to operate is restricted.

On Saturday, 20 November 2021 at about 18:30, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in Velocia Street in Ext 31 when they noticed two males approaching in their direction. As these males spotted the police vehicle, they turned around and ran into a yard and jumped over a wall. The two members immediately alighted and chased after them on foot. One male was seen throwing an object underneath a vehicle that was parked in the yard. The males managed to evade arrest however a 9mm Norinco pistol (serial number filed off) with 8 live rounds of ammunition was recovered.

An enquiry docket was opened for investigation.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso is warning criminals that, “As we enter the festive season, our focus would largely remain on high visibility with focus on zero tolerance against the proliferation of illegal firearms and drugs including crimes related to it. We cannot and will not afford to give criminals any room to breathe. A firearm out of the hands of a criminal, lessens the commission of a serious or violent crime.”

Source: South African Police Service