Maitland Flying squad recovers hijacked vehicle and firearms in Nyanga

A swift response by the Maitland Flying Squad led to the recovery of a hijacked vehicle, two firearms and a signal-jamming device in Nyanga over the weekend.

Police said that during the evening of Saturday, officers were recovering a hijacked vehicle in the Lloyds area of Nyanga when a Toyota Hilux passed their patrol. Members recognised the registration number from an earlier general broadcast linked to a hijacking in Mfuleni.

As officers moved in, the suspects lost control of the vehicle and collided with a house fence. They jumped out and fled on foot. After a brief chase, police arrested one suspect.

A search of the Hilux uncovered two 9mm firearms, one with its serial number removed along with ammunition and a jammer device.

A 22-year-old suspect was detained at Nyanga police station on charges including possession of a hijacked vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court once formally charged.

In a separate incident, officers attached to Operation Shanela II arrested a 37-year-old man in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, on Sunday at about 9:20 am.

Police said they acted on intelligence about a firearm at a premises in Du Toits Kloof Street. A search of the property led to the discovery of a zip gun and a single 9mm round of ammunition hidden inside the wall of a toilet.

The suspect will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court once charged.

Police said the arrests form part of ongoing operations to combat serious and violent crime across Cape Town.

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Cape Argus