Unlicensed firearm found by law enforcement at Winterveld, Tshwane photos supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District SAPS Communication Coordinator
SAPS Members from Rietgat and Loate station Task Teams were conducting patrols in identified crime hotspots in Extension 3, Mhlaumbe, Winterveldt, when they came across a grey Ford Ranger Raptor occupied by a white male.
The members stopped next to the vehicle and engaged the occupant, who informed them that he had travelled to the area to purchase a generator advertised on Facebook Marketplace.
The members warned the man that the advertisement was likely to be a scam and that he could potentially be targeted for an armed robbery.
They then requested his assistance in tracing the alleged sellers, as he was still waiting for them to arrive.
Two members of the Online Task Team entered the vehicle with the complainant, while other members positioned themselves in the surrounding area in a marked police vehicle.
While they were waiting for the alleged sellers to arrive, a group of unidentified males approached the vehicle.
One of the suspects produced a firearm and fired shots in the direction of the police and the complainant.
A shootout subsequently ensued between the police and the suspect.
As the suspects fled the scene, one suspect was apprehended and found in possession of a firearm.
Later, the members received information from a police informant that a male with gunshot wounds had arrived at Sedilega Clinic in Mabopane, Block U.
The members proceeded to the clinic, where they confirmed that the injured male was one of the suspects who had fled the scene following the shootout.
He was subsequently arrested and placed under police guard.
The investigation into the incident is continuing, and police are following up on all available leads.
The District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, extended his appreciation to the members involved for their vigilance, swift response and dedication in preventing what could have been a serious armed robbery.
Major-General Thine also urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when responding to advertisements on online marketplaces.
Community members are advised to verify sellers and buyers before meeting, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and refrain from meeting unknown persons in isolated areas. Meeting places should be arranged at public areas such as Police stations.
Advertisements where the selling price is below market related prices or extremely cheap, should be treated with caution and reported to the police.
Major-General Thine further cautioned community members to remain vigilant against online scams and robberies.
Members of the public should never disclose banking details, passwords, PINs or other personal information to unknown persons. They are also encouraged to verify suspicious links, messages and payment requests before proceeding with any transaction.
Major-General Thine emphasised that the SAPS remains committed to working with communities to prevent and combat crime.
He encouraged members of the public to remain alert and to report suspicious activities to the police without placing themselves in danger.
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