Man arrested with Illegal Firearms and over a thousand rounds of ammunition
A major breakthrough in the fight against crime occurred on Saturday, October 5, when a 30-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The suspect was found with four unlicensed firearms, including two rifles, a shotgun, and a pistol, along with 1,200 rounds of live ammunition.
The arrest followed a tip-off received by the Gauteng Provincial Head Office’s (PHO) Serious Violent Crimes (SVC) unit, which had identified the suspect as a person of interest. The investigation led officers to the suspect’s residence in Spruitview, but he was not present. Acting on further intelligence, the police tracked the suspect to Pretoria, where he, realizing that he was being pursued, voluntarily handed himself over to the authorities, accompanied by his lawyer.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed the illegal firearms and ammunition concealed under a blanket. When asked to produce licenses for the firearms, the suspect failed to do so and was immediately arrested. He now faces charges under Section 60 of the Firearms Control Act of 2000 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Katlehong police spokesperson, Constable Sivenkosi Mtwa, confirmed that the firearms and ammunition would be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they had been used in any other crimes in the Katlehong area or elsewhere in the country.
Welcoming the arrest, SAPS Katlehong Station Commander, Brigadier Albertina Vesi, urged the public to continue cooperating with the police by reporting individuals in possession of illegal firearms. “We encourage community members to provide information anonymously through the MySAPS app or by contacting our crime office line at 011 617 3686, or Crime-Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be kept strictly confidential.”
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon at the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court.