By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
What was meant to be a routine stop and search procedure by members of the Flying Squad led to the discovery of an arms cache and a substantial quantity of drugs last night in Goodwood, Western Cape.
The attention of vigilant Flying Squad members was drawn to a silver Ford dubbel cab bakkie under suspicious circumstances in Athlone, which prompted them to stop and search the vehicle and the occupant.
This search resulted in the discovery of an unlicensed 9mm firearm, drugs and a substantial amount of cash. The 28-year-old driver was arrested and interrogated which led SAPS to an apartment in the Bergzicht complex situated in Goodwood where the search was extended.
Here a further 19 firearms of various calibers were found, including an AK47 assault rifle, a shotgun and other automatic and semi-automatic firearms, as well as an assortment of drugs valued at R3 million.
“We have reason to believe that the apartment, which is leased in the suspect’s name, was never used as a residence, but rather a storing facility for the firearms and the drugs.
“As our investigation unfolds, the possibility that more suspects can be apprehended is not excluded. The arrest of the suspect and subsequent seizure are deemed a step in the right direction to tackle gangsterism in the Province,” said Colonel Andrè Traut.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen (Adv.) TE Patekile commended the members who effected the arrest and said that detectives assigned to the case will dig deeper to uncover more, as this could be the tip of the iceberg.
In the meantime, the suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday in Athlone.
