Cops say they’ve nabbed two of Athlone’s most wanted criminals, one who was found hiding under a bed with a firearm.
Athlone police had been hunting Theo “Charra” Pillay, 28, for months and last week found him right under their noses, hiding in a house in Block One in Kewtown.
The second suspect, Yazeed Moos, 25, is allegedly Pillay’s sidekick and busted at his own home, also in Kewtown, with a stash of ammunition and a firearm.
Both men were taken into custody after an intense investigation by the Crime Prevention Unit and are believed to be dik dinge in the Junior Cisco Yakkies gang.
Police confirm Moos had been found on 2 October with 37 live rounds of ammunition, a 9mm firearm and three magazines, and made his first appearance at the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Friday on charges of the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk says Pillay was arrested with a revolver in his possession while hiding under a bed on 3 October and is expected to make his first appearance at the Athlone Magistrates’ Court today on a charge of the illegal possession of a firearm.
Cops confirm Pillay was wanted for two attempted murders, the illegal possession of a firearm and the contravention of a protection order.
It is alleged the men were involved in gang shootings during which a member of the Hard Livings was wounded.
It’s also alleged Pillay is responsible for recent victimless shootings in Bokmakierie.
Athlone Community Policing Forum chairperson Aziza Kannemeyer says although they welcome the arrests, the question remains, “where do they get these firearms and ammunition?”