#sapsEC [JOINT OPERATION KARABO AND KWAZAKHELE TASK TEAM SUCCESSFUL IN REMOVING ILLEGAL FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION FROM THE STREETS OF GQEBERHA] The continued efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat serious and violent crime resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of two firearms and 63 live rounds of ammunition during separate crime prevention operations in Nelson Mandela Bay over the weekend. Operation Karabo, a joint #CrimePrevention initiative involving the SAPS #AntiGang Unit, participating #SAPS stations, SAPS #CrimeIntelligence and the South African National Defence Force (#SANDF), achieved several successes during targeted operations aimed at removing illegal firearms and ammunition from communities. On Saturday, 24 October 2026, at approximately 19:00, members participating in Operation Karabo conducted a search at a premises on Kamanda Street, Airport Valley, Walmer, following information regarding the possible presence of a firearm and ammunition. During the search, 10 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition were discovered and confiscated, resulting in the arrest of a 43-year-old male suspect for illegal possession of ammunition. Later that evening, at approximately 22:45, members participating in the operation executed a search warrant at a premises on Imbuia Street, Arcadia, Bethelsdorp. During the search, 22 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition were recovered, and a 43-year-old male suspect was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition. In the early hours of Sunday, 25 October 2026, at approximately 03:00, Operation Karabo members executed a search warrant at a premises in GG Ground, Gqeberha, following information regarding the possible possession of a firearm and drugs. The search resulted in the recovery of a Norinco pistol, 13 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition, a magazine and a holster. A 43-year-old male suspect was arrested for illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The matter is being investigated by SAPS Algoa Park. In a separate and unrelated success, members of the KwaZakhele Task Team arrested a 35-year-old male suspect following a vehicle pursuit in Zwide on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at approximately 18:06. The members were conducting patrols in the area when they received information regarding an allegedly armed individual travelling in a silver Volkswagen Polo. The vehicle was subsequently spotted in Mpehla Street, but the driver allegedly attempted to evade police, resulting in a pursuit. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, allowing members to apprehend the suspect. During a search, police recovered a 9 mm Norinco pistol with its serial number removed, together with 18 live rounds of ammunition. The vehicle was also confiscated, and a case of illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition was opened for investigation by SAPS KwaZakhele. The successes achieved through Operation Karabo and the independent efforts of the KwaZakhele Task Team demonstrate the continued commitment of SAPS members and their law enforcement partners to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition within communities. The removal of illegal firearms from the streets remains a key priority for the SAPS, as these weapons are frequently used in the commission of serious and violent crimes, including murders, attempted murders, and armed robberies. Through sustained intelligence-driven operations, proactive policing, and collaborative law enforcement efforts, the SAPS remains committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible for the illegal possession and circulation of firearms, while working towards #SaferCommunities for all residents. #FightingCrime #GunsOffTheStreets #PoliceVisibility #PartnershipPolicing ST saps.gov.za/newsroom/ms.php?…