Elsies River police arrested a 19-year-old suspect for murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm following a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning, 10 August 2024.
Story Summary:
- A 19-year-old man was arrested in Elsies River for the murder of a 32-year-old woman.
- The suspect was apprehended on Saturday morning, with the firearm used in the crime found hidden in a neighbour’s yard.
- Elsies River faces a growing problem with illegal firearms, as highlighted by recent police operations.
Watch: Elsies River community watches as suspect is arrested
The incident took place in Bergpas Street, Leonsdale, where the body of a 32-year-old woman was discovered.
The suspect was apprehended at a nearby residence on 16 Avenue at around 09:35 after police followed up on leads.
The firearm used in the crime was later found hidden in a neighbour’s yard.
Community members gathered as the suspect was taken into custody, capturing the tense moment on their phones.
Elsies River has seen a disturbing rise in incidents involving illegal firearms.
In a separate operation by the Anti-Gang Unit, law enforcement officials confiscated a .38 Special revolver and ammunition from a 64-year-old man during a raid in Springbok Place, Balvenie.
The area has been plagued by ongoing gang violence, leading to increased police activity.
In another incident, police intercepted a suspicious vehicle and arrested three men after discovering two unlicensed firearms, a 9mm Beretta pistol and a 9mm Norinco pistol, inside the vehicle.
The occupants were detained on charges related to the possession of unlicensed and prohibited firearms and ammunition.
