Members of the Pretoria-Moot South African Police Service (SAPS) seized four firearms and 180 rounds of live ammunition while responding to an intimidation complaint at a local apartment on Sunday evening.
According to police, officers found a male occupant inside the apartment. After identifying themselves, officers proceeded to interview him while conducting preliminary investigations. When asked about the firearm mentioned in the complaint, the suspect directed them to a sofa, where he pointed out a revolver.
Captain Johan van Dyk stated that the firearm was immediately confiscated after the suspect failed to provide a valid licence or a reasonable explanation for its possession.
“The firearm was immediately confiscated as the suspect failed to provide a valid licence or a reasonable explanation for being in possession of it. While searching the apartment, officers discovered a firearm safe. Upon further inspection, three additional firearms were found inside the safe, along with 180 live rounds of ammunition.”
He added that the suspect was arrested and charged with a possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of unlicensed ammunition.
The firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in any criminal activities.
The Acting District Commissioner of Tshwane, Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, commended the police for their excellent police work.
Meanwhile, police have arrested a woman for faking her kidnapping on January 30.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the woman was reported kidnapped in Randburg on January 23, after which a ransom demand was made to her family.
“A multidisciplinary team comprising of the SAPS’ Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit (PIU), Johannesburg Flying Squad, and Randburg Detectives, with support from private security companies acted on intelligence regarding the suspect’s location.
“The operation led the team to an identified address in Moroka, where both the supposed victim and her alleged kidnapper were found.”
Van Wyk said an investigation revealed that the 23-year-old woman and her alleged kidnapper, a Mozambican national, had staged the abduction. Both were subsequently arrested and face charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
The Star