Police are investigating whether a gun and ammunition seized during the arrest of three men under a Woodstock bridge are linked to robberies in the area.
According to Woodstock police spokesman, Warrant Officer Hilton Malila, officers were searching a makeshift shelter under the Lower Church Street bridge on Wednesday morning July 10, when they found a blue backpack and noticed that the three men in the shelter were acting nervously.
Officers seized one 9mm pistol, 59 live rounds of ammunition, two 9mm magazines, three high-calibre rifle a battle vest.
That same day, at 8.30pm, Woodstock police arrested a woman and three men wanted in connection with muggings and business robberies.
Another three men were arrested several hours later, at 2am on Thursday July 11, in connection with the same string of crimes.
Police also seized a Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Avanza – believed to have been used in the crimes. The vehicles have been impounded pending further investigation.
At 8pm on Thursday July 11, police arrested two men, aged 32 and 33, on drug-dealing charges. One of the men was apprehended in Foundry Road, Salt River, the other at Mascani informal settlement in Woodstock.
“The officers confiscated 78 units of heroin, various stolen motor vehicle badges and car breaking implements,” said Warrant Officer Malila.
Several hours later, at 10.30pm, police arrested a 23-year-old Salt River man in Strand Street Woodstock for being in possession of an unlicensed fire-arm and ammunition.
