Nelspruit: Mpumalanga police has once again removed unlicensed firearms and ammunition from the hands of criminals in Dwarsloop just outside Bushbuckridge today, 30 August 2022.

Working on information, police intercepted a white VW Polo with four occupants who were suspected to be in possession of firearms. Police immediately launched a destructive operation which led to the arrest of four suspects aged between 26 and 27 years.

The suspects were reportedly found on the R40, Dwarsloop Main Road, with two handguns though serial numbers were filled off as well as 33 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle they were using does not raise any suspicion that it could have been reportedly stolen however further investigation is underway.

Police will also investigate in order to establish if the suspects may be linked to other criminal activities committed elsewhere. The four are expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 31 August 2022 facing charges of being in possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has emphasised the importance of community members working hands in gloves with the police. "There will be no space for criminals in the province if we continue to work together in the battle fight against crime. The lives of innocent citizens were possibly spared through the recovery of the firearms because the firearms are often used by perpetrators in serious and violent crimes" said the General.

Source: South African Police Service