Local newsNews

Magnet fisherman (9) pulls pistol from CR Swart Dam

The firearm has been taken for an Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) test to determine the serial number.

A casual outing to CR Swart Dam with his dad and uncle on January 12 took a shocking turn when a young magnet fishing enthusiast fished out a 9mm pistol.

Euuan (9), who lives in Benoni, explained he took up the hobby of magnet fishing two months ago. Simply put, it involves retrieving metal objects from underwater using a magnet.

He was enjoying the afternoon with his dad, Richard, and uncle when the firearm latched onto his 2kg magnet.

The discovered firearm.

“While pulling at the 20m rope, it didn’t feel heavy at all, so I was shocked and excited to discover this unusual find attached to the magnet,” said Euuan.

Richard said they had been fishing for about 30 minutes when the discovery occurred on Euuan’s sixth throw.

“He shouted, ‘Dad, I’ve got a gun!’ I saw the gun hanging from the magnet. At first, I thought it wasn’t real but we decided to take it to a friend of ours who had been in the army and he confirmed it was a real firearm.”

Euuan holding the 2kg magnet that the 9mm pistol latched onto.

They then went to Benoni Police Station to hand over the rusty firearm.

Richard said officers expressed curiosity about the unusual find.

“They said the gun looked like a state firearm from decades past. The officers kept calling each other to come and view the gun, which had no magazine or bullets,” Richard explained.

“What’s strange is that for the past two months, we’ve been fishing at this spot, pulling out coins, LED lights, fishing hooks, paintbrushes, rollers, anything magnetic. I hope the police can figure out where the firearm came from,” said Richard.

Some of the metal items that were retrieved on the same day from the dam.

Spokesperson for the Benoni SAPS Captain Nomsa Sekele confirmed that the firearm had been brought to the station.

“The firearm is rusted, which suggests it was in the water for a long time. It will be sent for an Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) test to determine the serial number.

“Once the serial number is established, we’ll contact the owner to investigate how the firearm ended up in the dam,” Sekele said.

She also clarified that it is not a state firearm.

The family requested that their surnames not be published for security reasons.

Also Read: SAPS take illegal guns, ammo off streets

Also Read: Constable Masuku case: photos of guns found on accused’s phone

   

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.

Related Articles

Check Also
Close
Back to top button