Police have arrested three people in a tactical operation in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, said officers were following up on intelligence received while tracing a wanted suspect.

“An intelligence-driven operation led to a meticulously executed plan involving Joe Gqabi Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Tsolo tracing team for CIT suspects resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old male suspect and the recovery of two rifles and a pistol with ammunition in Mdlankomo locality,” Matyolo said.

He said officers from different policing units located the suspect in a house in Mdlankomo.

He said when the suspect saw police, he tried to flee, but police caught him.

“Police on searching the premises, recovered an AK47 assault rifle, R5 rifle and a Taurus 9mm pistol. The serial numbers on the firearms were filed off and they all had ammunition,” he said.

Police further seized a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform and tools used in tampering with vehicle identification numbers.

The suspect was charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police said later charges could be added as the investigation progresses.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman were arrested and charged for obstructing the cause of justice, crimen injuria, interference with police work and common assault after they allegedly tried to stop police from carrying out their duties.

Matyolo said all three will appear in the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

IOL News

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