Four male suspects, aged between 32 and 47, were arrested in Mayflower on June 14 for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Preliminary investigations showed the suspects are from Pienaar.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, at about 00:20, Mayflower police were conducting routine patrols noticing a suspicious looking red VW Golf with four occupants.
One was wearing a balaclava, prompting officers to stop the vehicle and conduct a search.
“During the search, police discovered a silver pistol hidden under a seat. The firearm’s serial number was filed off. None one admitted to owning the firearm. All four suspects were immediately arrested,” she said.
The VW Golf was confiscated. Ownership of the vehicle is being verified with one claiming it belonged to his mother.
The suspects are expected to appear in Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court Tuesday on June 17. They would face charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and commended the police officers.
“There is no place for criminals in our province. If you think moving to another area means police will not detect you, think again. The men and women in blue across Mpumalanga are committed and vigilant in protecting our communities,” said the General.
