POTCHEFSTROOM – Two accused aged 39 and 40 respectively appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 24 February 2022 and Friday, 25 February 2022, on charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
The accused were arrested during crime intelligence driven operation in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 23 February 2022 at Mfidikwe Village just outside Rustenburg after the Operational Command Centre (OCC) members acted on information regarding persons who were in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Consequent to receiving information, a search was conducted at a shack owned by a 39-year-old Horacio Sebastino Mathe known as “Mzekezeke” and a 9mm pistol with four ammunition and a toy gun were found. The accused allegedly denied ownership of the weapon and ammunition and he took the police to his friend in the same neighbourhood. As a result, the members proceeded to another shack where Sthandile Maqekeni (40) also known as “Mosotho” was found. Following the search at Mosotho’s shack, the police found two ammunition leading to the arrest. Meanwhile, Maqekeni has been remanded in custody until Thursday, 03 March 2022, while Mathe is expected to reappear in court on Friday, 04 February 2022. Both accused will apply to be released on bail during their next court appearances.
Investigation into the matter continues.
Source: South African Police Service