POTCHEFSTROOM - In an endeavour to address illegal proliferation of firearms and criminality which often leads to violent crimes and loss of lives, police in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District arrested eight suspects through separate crime intelligence driven operations.
In the first incident on Friday, 24 February 2023, police in Vryburg followed up and operationalised information about a white Hyundai mini truck driving on the N14 road from Kuruman towards Vryburg. Reportedly, the occupants were on their way to Mahikeng to commit burglaries.
The identified vehicle was consequently intercepted in Vryburg. During the search, the police discovered two illegal firearms, housebreaking implements and several cellular phones. The mini truck was also seized for further investigation. Subsequently, five suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and house breaking implements. Meanwhile, the suspects, aged between 30 and 59 are expected to appear in the Vryburg Magistrates' Court on Monday, 27 February 2023.
In another unrelated incident on Friday morning, 24 February 2023, three suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition in Morokweng village near Vryburg. It is alleged that the police received information on Thursday, 23 February 2023, about suspected poaching activity at one of the private game reserves in the area. Consequently, a Toyota bakkie which was travelling from Vorstershoop to Morokweng direction, was spotted and stopped on Friday morning, 24 February 2024, near Maheng village. It was escorted to Morokweng police station for a thorough search which led to the discovery of a hunting rifle, silencer, hunting knife and ammunition.
Three suspects, aged 34, 40 and 56 were arrested and are expected to appear on Monday, 27 February 2023, before the Ganyesa Magistrates' Court.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded all the members who took part in the operations for their dedication which resulted in the arrests and permanent removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from the wrong hands.
Source: South African Police Service