Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Swift police action led to the recovery of various firearms stolen on New Year’s Eve when a gunshop in Irenepark was broken into. Three suspects, aged 36, 34 and 26, were arrested after a shootout with police officers in Alabama on Monday January 15. WO Amogelang Malwetse, spokesperson of the Hawks said a multi-disciplinary team were busy with an operation to track down perpetrators involved in business burglaries in Klerksdorp. The team consisted the Klerksdorp Hawks, Priority Crime Management Centre, Special Task Force, National Intervention Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre and the District Illegal mining task team members. They were acting on intelligence when they spotted an Audi TT in Alabama. “The vehicle did not stop when the team directed it to do so. A shootout ensued between the police and suspects. No injuries were reported and three suspects inside the TT were arrested and four firearms recovered in the vehicle.
She added that follow-up investigation led the team to a farm in Hartbeesfontein and Alabama where a substantial number of various calibre ammunition, firearms and explosives were recovered. “The firearms are linked to a burglary that occurred at Progun in Irene Park.”
The exact number of firearms reco-vered is not known.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Thursday January 18 to face charges of business burglary and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
