By Riaan Marais - 06 April 2021
BIG BUST: The weapons and ammunition recovered in New Brighton on Tuesday morning Image: Supplied
An off-duty police officer dodged bullets in an effort to recover two stolen firearms in New Brighton in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The warrant officer, a member of the Gqeberha flying squad, received information about illegal firearms that were allegedly on their way to Komani. Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the officer went to investigate at a premises in Maseleni Street, New Brighton, shortly after midnight on Monday when he noticed a man leaving the yard carrying two bags.
A pump action shotgun that was stolen in Kabega Park in July 2017.
A .303 rifle that was stolen in Algoa Park in December 2019.
A magazine containing five .303 rounds.
An empty R1 rifle magazine.
Sixty-two rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
The weapons and ammunition were recovered following a dramatic confrontation between the lone officer and suspect in Maseleni Street, New Brighton, at noon.
According to the police, the suspect had allegedly opened fire on the Flying Squad Unit member after he had asked him about the two bags he was carrying. While waiting for backup, the officer confronted the suspect. The suspect started running with the officer in close pursuit.