A crime Intelligence driven operation led to the arrest of two male suspects, aged 26 and 28, for possession of ammunition and possession of an unlicenced firearm respectively in Tyelebana locality – Bityi A/A on Monday, 23 September 2024 at about 01:00.

Upon arrival of the Mthatha District Task Team at the identified 26-year-old’s homestead, believed to be having an unlicensed firearm, only ammunition was found in his possession and he further led police to a 28-year-old tuckshop owner of Ethiopian origin, claiming to have lend the tuckshop owner the unlicensed firearm. The unlicensed firearm (serial number filed off) with ammunition was found in the possession of the tuckshop owner and both suspects were arrested and detained at Bityi police station and charged for unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of unlicensed firearm respectively.

Both suspects appeared in the Bityi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 September 2024, and the case was postponed to 03 October 2024, for a formal bail applicat
ion with both suspects being remanded in custody. The OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Cetyana, commended the unwavering dedication of the police team in removing unlicensed firearms in the OR Tambo District as they cause pain and misery through armed robberies leading to deaths of the innocent.

Source: South African Police Service