Cpe Town - Two men are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s court today to face charges of the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The Maitland Flying Squad arrested the two suspects, aged 17 and 24, in Klipfontein Road, Athlone, on Wednesday.
Captain Frederick Van Wyk said the squad members found a .38 special revolver with ammunition under the front seat of their vehicle when they were doing stop and search operations.
“The suspects are due to make a court appearance in Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 31 December, 2021, on the charges mentioned,” he said.
The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Athlone said the use of illegal firearms was a common issue in the area and applauded members of the Flying Squad and K9 unit for their work in confiscating the firearms.
“I can confirm recent arrests of notorious gang members for the possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and drug possession. I am aware of five guns, as well as ammunition seized since the October 26 in an area known as ‘The Vlei,’ a large informal settlement in the Athlone precinct,” said Sharon Classen, CPF chairperson in Athlone.
She said negative elements were tarnishing the image of Athlone. Criminals often drank alcohol together and ended up fighting and shooting each other during the festive season.
She said the issue of illegal firearms required closer attention from the state and the law enforcement authorities, because “innocent civilians and bystanders are getting hurt during gangster shootings”.
“Communities in and around ‘The Vlei’ are in constant fear of their lives, not to mention the psychological and emotional impact gangsterism and drugs have on families,” said Classen.
“I must add that there are still many more illegal firearms out there,” commented Classen.
Ward 49 councillor Rashid Adams conceded that crime was an ongoing issue in Athlone, adding that members of the public didn’t report all crime in the area.
He said one of his priorities in 2022 was to create an “effective forum” that would look into the issue of illegal firearms and crime in Athlone.
“As a ward 49 councillor, one of my priorities in 2022 is to establish an effective forum that will consist of all law agencies within the Athlone area, such as SAPS, Metro police and concerned residents and business people,” he said.
Weekend Argus