Maitland Flying Squad seizes illegal firearms and arrests five in targeted Ottery raids

Western Cape police have confirmed that a targeted operation in Ottery resulted in several arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms this past Friday.

Members of the Maitland Flying Squad acted on intelligence regarding weapons being kept at a local property. The operation led officers to two separate locations where illicit arms were being harboured.

During a search of an abandoned building, officers recovered a 9mm pistol along with nine rounds of ammunition. Following the discovery, police arrested three men and a woman, aged between 21 and 31.

In a subsequent search at a premises in Rina Court, police found two additional 9mm pistols and 36 rounds of ammunition hidden inside a box.

"They arrested an adult male for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Once charged, the suspects will make their respective court appearances in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court," said Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg.

The suspects remain in custody pending their scheduled appearances. This operation marks another step in the provincial SAPS strategy to remove illegal firearms from local communities.