Suspect arrested for possession of unlicensed high-calibre firearms

An intelligence driven operation involving Joe Gqabi Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Tsolo Tracing Team for CIT resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old male suspect and the recovery of two rifles and a pistol with ammunition in Mdlankomo locality, Qumbu today 31 October 2024.

Members from various specialised units operationalised an intelligence information, and managed to locate the suspect at a house in Mdlankomo locality.

It is further said that the suspect on seeing the police, he attempted to flee, but was apprehended. Police on searching the premises, they recovered an AK47 assault rifle, R5 rifle and a Taurus 9mm pistol. The serial numbers on the firearms were filed off and they all had ammunition.

Police also seized a SANDF uniform and tools used in tampering with the vehicle identification number (VIN) numbers. He was later charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition (three counts) and with a possibility of additional charges at the later stage of the investigation.

It is alleged that as members were still busy at the scene, a bakkie with two occupants arrived. It is further said that the two (a man, 34, and a woman, 63) attempted to stop members from performing their duties. They were both arrested and charged for obstructing cause of justice, crimen injuria, interference with police work and common assault.

All three suspects will appear in the Qumbu Magistrate Court on Friday, 01 November 2024 to face their respective charges.