Newton Park break-in: Police seize 11 firearms and arrest 52-year-old suspect

A swift police response has led to the arrest of a 52-year-old suspect and the recovery of 11 firearms within hours of a housebreaking at a private security company in Newton Park, Gqeberha.

Police said the incident was reported at about 7.30am on Monday, August 31, after employees arrived at the security company's premises in 2nd Avenue and discovered that the back door had been forced open.

Two safes containing firearms, which had been secured to a wall, were allegedly removed from the premises. A Nissan NP200 belonging to the company was also stolen.

The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Kwadwesi.

Mount Road detectives immediately launched an investigation and followed up on information regarding the stolen firearms.

The Gqeberha Flying Squad acted on the information and proceeded to Gallants Street in Polar Park, where officers recovered nine shotguns, two R15 rifles and three battle jackets belonging to the security company.

A 52-year-old man was arrested during the operation and detained on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and possession of suspected stolen property.

He is expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court during the week.

Police said investigations were continuing as detectives worked to establish whether other suspects were involved and to recover any outstanding stolen property.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended members of the Gqeberha Flying Squad and other units involved in the operation.

“The swift recovery of the firearms is significant as it prevented these weapons from potentially falling into the hands of criminals and being used in the commission of serious and violent crimes,” police said.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation has been urged to contact SAPS Mount Road on 082 779 7186 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the MySAPS App.