NELSPRUIT- Mpumalanga Police in collaboration with members of the public have been soldiering on in the battle against proliferation of firearms in the province. As a result, police arrested four male suspects aged between 31 and 43 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition after information was provided by members of the public. The four were nabbed earlier today, Tuesday 24 January 2023 in Volksrust.
According to the report, this morning around 10:00, a grey VW Polo was seen driving around the streets of Vukuzakhe location with four occupants inside. The men could have possibly been hired as hitmen however that matter is subject to investigation. The community members immediately informed police about their suspicions and members from Visible Policing in Volksrust swiftly acted without any waste of time. It is said that they spotted the said car which matched the description as provided. The astute members tactically approached the said car. After stopping the vehicle, a search was conducted. That was when members discovered one 9mm G2 pistol with its serial numbers filed off as well as four rounds of ammunition and one revolver with serial numbers. Police also found six more live ammunition together with other live ammunition for different calibres. The four were arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The recovered items were seized for further investigation.
The four are expected to appear at the Volksrust Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 25 January 2023 on the said charges. As the probe continues, police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the four suspects.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised community members who worked collaboratively with the police which produced positive results. "If we can continue to work together like this, more arrests could be made thereby averting the loss of life. So we encourage communities to be vigilant of any suspicious criminal activity and immediately alert authorities" said the General.
Source: South African Police Service