Gun seized from suspect at Mitchells Plain march against gang violence

Mitchells Plain police has apprehended a man carrying a firearm while they were keeping the peace at Sunday’s march in Mitchells Plain. 

According to SAPS provincial spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the cops spotted the suspect when patrolling the area as residents joined Pagad G-Force, the Patriotic Alliance and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party in defiance of the gang violence in Beacon Valley.

Hundreds of residents took to the streets as gang-related shootings continue on the Cape Flats, three shootings recorded overnight on Sunday, while five more were reported on Monday.

Tensions ran high when authorities asked Pagad members to remove their masks ahead of the march for the safety of the community members. 

Pagad also led a march in Bonteheuwel on Sunday.

Twigg said: “The vigilance of members of Mitchells Plain police led to the arrest of a suspect when he was caught with a 9mm pistol with ammunition in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain on Sunday.

“The members were monitoring a peaceful march when they noticed an unknown male running into the nearby bush. 

“They chased after him and apprehended the suspect. The area where he was found was searched, and the firearm and the ammunition were found. 

“He faces a charge for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.” 

The adult male suspect will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates court once he has been charged.

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Cape Argus