Yusuf Abramjee@Abramjee
JUST IN:
TWO MEN LINKED TO FIREARMS SEEN IN VIRAL VIDEO ARRESTED, FIREARMS SEIZED
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two men linked to firearms seen in a viral video circulating on social media in which women are seen recklessly and negligently handling firearms.
Following the circulation of the video, SAPS Gauteng Crime Intelligence launched a tracing operation which led officers to Tembisa, Gauteng, where the suspects were located and arrested.
The firearms seen in the video were seized by police and preliminary investigations reveal that the firearms are unlicensed.
During the operation, the suspects were also found in possession of a hijacked vehicle.
Gauteng Crime Intelligence is continuing with profiling and investigations into the suspects.
The two men aged 21 and 34 have been arrested for contravention of the Firearms Control Act, the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as being in possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.
Police are continuing with investigations to trace the women seen in the video recklessly and negligently handling the firearms.
The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has commended Gauteng Crime Intelligence for their swift response in tracing the suspects linked to the firearms seen in the video.
The Acting National Commissioner said the arrests send a strong warning that the reckless handling and display of firearms on will not be tolerated and that police will act decisively against those who break the law.
Police further warn members of the public against the reckless handling and display of firearms, as such conduct endangers lives and constitutes a serious criminal offence.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate's Court next week.