NELSPRUIT - The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members of the police from Mhala for arresting a 35-year-old male suspect with a firearm. The man was apprehended this morning, Saturday 05 March 2022 at White City near Bushbuckridge.

According to the report, the SAPS members received details through the Intelligence structure of the police about a man who was in possession of a firearm. The team operationalised the said information at around 10h30 am and proceeded to a certain house where they found the man. Upon arrival the astute members then searched him and discovered that he was in possession of unlicensed firearm with a magazine. Police also noticed that the serial number of the 9mm pistol was filled off and the man was immediately arrested as well as charged for possession of unlicensed firearm. The firearm will undergo some forensic tests and police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges to the suspect in relation to the seized firearm. He may also be linked to other crimes committed elsewhere

The suspect is expected to appear before the Mhala Magistrate's Court on Monday, 07 March 2022 facing the said charges.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further reiterated the commitment of the SAPS in the province to confiscate all firearms in the wrong hands. "Illegal firearms contribute a lot to violent crimes more specifically on robberies and murders hence we are moving with speed in taking back those guns. This is a job well" commented the General.

Source: South African Police Service