In a gripping incident that underscores the vigilance of local law enforcement, two men were caught red-handed in the Newcastle CBD with an unlicensed rifle they were reportedly attempting to sell.
Speaking on the matter, Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Member Imran Ghafoor explained that law enforcement had been alerted to be on the lookout for two men spotted near the Newcastle CBD Taxi Rank.
These men were allegedly armed with a .22 rifle, which as previously stated, were trying to sell.
In response, an operational team was mobilised after receiving the information, with the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team, Magenta Security, and SAPS working in close coordination to locate the suspects as quickly as possible.
During the search, a sharp-eyed response official from Magenta Security identified the two men at the corner of Allen Street and Drakensberg Drive.
The suspects were approached, apprehended, and taken to the Newcastle Police Station. Following this, Ghafoor noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the rifle was not licensed to either of the men. “Both suspects were arrested and charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm,” stated Ghafoor.
He also added that the men have since appeared in court, pointing out that one of the suspects had a prior charge for robbery involving a firearm.
As investigations continue, with the two suspects facing serious legal consequences, Ghafoor noted that law enforcement is still probing how the men obtained the firearm.
Thus, if anyone has information that can assist law enforcement with the matter, you are urged to contact them immediately.
With crime being a pressing concern within the Newcastle community, the swift, coordinated efforts of the involved individuals in apprehending these suspects deserve acknowledgement for their efforts.
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