Suspect arrested after funeral shooting in Gqeberha, illegal firearms seized
Police in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with a shooting at a funeral on Saturday.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, members acted on information about a possible shooting in Motherwell and tracked down the suspect shortly after the incident.
“Members of the Motherwell SAPS Technical Response Team (TRT) acted on information about a possible shooting at a funeral in NU 10, Mbaza Street. While conducting a waylay operation, officers spotted a white VW Polo Vivo whose driver allegedly fired shots at the homestead where the funeral was held,” Van Rensburg said.
The suspect was intercepted, and upon searching the vehicle, members recovered two 9mm pistols with serial numbers removed, two magazines, five rounds of ammunition, and two empty cartridges. The suspect was unable to provide a licence and was arrested. The vehicle was also confiscated”.
Police added that the man is expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“The suspect is expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of unlicensed/prohibited firearms, possession of unlicensed ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place”.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata commended officers for their swift response, saying their actions helped prevent further violence.
Earlier this month, IOL also reported that our men are behind bars after a kidnapped KwaZulu-Natal man was rescued in a dramatic police swoop spanning the south coast and central Durban.
The terrifying ordeal began when a family in Paddock reported their 38-year-old relative missing on Sunday, March 1, triggering an urgent investigation.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that following the police intervention, the men were traced and arrested on charges of kidnapping.