Learners Arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the Eastern Cape

Two learners aged 15 and 16 have been arrested and charged with possession of an unlicenced firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition respectively.

This follows after a teacher noticed something in a 15-year-old learner’s pocket and when the teacher requested that the item be handed over, he refused. The learner was then taken to the principal where a 9mm magazine with 7 rounds of ammunition was handed over. He faces a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition.

Further investigations implicated a 16-year-old whom police accompanied to his home where a 9mm pistol was handed over. A case of possession of an unlicensed firearm was opened.

They have both been charged and handed over to their guardians who had been warned by the court. Local social workers were also involved.

Investigations will include an investigation into the ownership of the weapon, how these learners acquired this firearm and whether it had been used in other crimes. Parents and guardians are urged to become involved in their children’s activities, whereabouts as well as the company that they keep.

Both learners have briefly appeared in the Port St Johns Magistrates Court Yesterday accompanied by their guardians. They will reappear in the same court on the 4th May 2018 with their guardians.

Also view