MPUMALANGA - Warren Macaulay (39) was found guilty and sentenced by the Nelspruit Regional Court on Friday, 8 April 2022 for contravention of Firearm Control Act, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition as well as fraud. The accused pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with an option of a R10 000-00 fine. He was also declared unfit to possess firearm.

The sentence followed the incident which happened in January 2021 where Macaulay was arrested in White River whilst in possession of a LM 5 rifle which belonged to Victor Wilkens. Macaulay wanted to buy the rifle from Victor Wilkens but they did not follow the processes with regard to the Firearm Control Act. On the day of the arrest, Macaulay was on his way to sell the rifle in order to get money to fix a car. The case for illegal possession of firearm was opened.

The case against the lawful owner, Victor Wilkens was also opened where he was charged for contravention of the Firearm Control Act. He was found guilty and sentenced to a R10 000-00 fine in 2021.

Source: South African Police Service