COPS BUST FUNERAL

THREE trigger-happy gunmen were arrested at a funeral for performing a gun salute. 

The incident went down on Wednesday at about 1pm when gunshots were reported from Maitland Cemetery. 

The Maitland Flying Squad was dispatched, blocked all the exits and tactically approached the graveyard where about 40 to 50 persons were seen at a grave site. 

Cops reported that mense were shooting into the air.

They arrested three foreign nationals, who appeared at Cape Town Magistrates Court on Friday for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as the possession of a prohibited firearm, reported police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk. 

He adds: “Three suspects aged 32, 36 and 50 were arrested and face charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as the possession of a prohibited firearm.

"The members also seized a 7.65 mm pistol with five rounds, a 9mm CZ firearm without serial number and a 9mm Norinco with one round of ammunition.

"The members also recovered four firearms, a .38 special Taurus, Glock 17, a Norinco 7.65, a CZ 7.65 and an extended magazine with 23 rounds found abandoned near the grave.

"The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to ascertain whether they were used in other criminal activities.

Western Cape acting provincial commissioner, Major-General Bongani Maqhashalala issued a stern warning, condemning the reckless and illegal actions that take place at funerals. 

He says that such actions will not be tolerated as these actions are regarded as a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of those others.