Phuthaditjhaba: The suspect who confronted a farmer and his son with a firearm was disarmed by the farmer, fled but later arrested by the police.

It is alleged that on 29 November 2021 at about 18:30 the complainant was at a farm in Phuthaditjhaba district with his father when the suspect arrived with another unknown man driving a tractor. They were requested by the father to leave, but the suspect engaged in a physical confrontation with both the father and his son. It is further alleged that he took out a firearm and fired a shot. He was eventually overpowered and disarmed. He then fled leaving the firearm behind.

On 30 November 2021 at about 14:00 the incident was brought to the attention of Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team who arrested the suspect. The firearm was seized, a pistol with serial number and was circulated. It was discovered that it was reported stolen from Gugulethu in the Western Cape Province.

The 25-year-old suspect was arrested and expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ court on 01 December 2021 facing charge of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

“I want to commend the farmer and the son for being brave and managed to disarm the suspect of this unlicensed firearm that could have claimed the lives of innocent people on the farm.”, said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane.

Source: South African Police Service