The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested two men in connection with firearms that appeared in a viral video on social media, in which women were seen recklessly and negligently handling guns.
Following the circulation of the video, SAPS Gauteng Crime Intelligence launched a tracing operation that led officers to Tembisa, Gauteng, where the suspects were located and arrested.
Police seized the firearms seen in the video. Preliminary investigations reveal that the weapons are unlicensed.
During the operation, officers also found the suspects in possession of a hijacked vehicle.
Gauteng Crime Intelligence is continuing its profiling and investigations into the suspects.
The two men, aged 21 and 34, have been arrested for contravention of the Firearms Control Act, illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.
Police are continuing investigations to trace the women seen in the video recklessly and negligently handling the firearms.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended Gauteng Crime Intelligence for their swift response in tracing the suspects linked to the firearms seen in the video.
Dimpane said the arrests send a strong warning that the reckless handling and display of firearms will not be tolerated and that police will act decisively against those who break the law.
Police further warned members of the public against the reckless handling and display of firearms, stating that such conduct endangers lives and constitutes a serious criminal offence.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court next week.