Police recover unlicensed firearms

Katlehong South police arrested two suspects aged between 25 and 43 for the possession of suspected drugs, possession of an unlicensed firearm with a filed-off serial number and live ammunition at Sangela Street, Spruitview, on October 25.

According to the Katlehong South SAPS media liaison officer, Constable Sivenkosi Mtwa, the incident occurred during the early hours of October 25. Crime Prevention members were conducting normal patrol routines along Sangela Street, Spruitview when they spotted a silver-grey Land Rover with two occupants inside.

He said the police stopped the vehicle and searched both occupants. Upon searching, they discovered the driver had a black and brown .38 special revolver on his waist loaded with six rounds of live ammunition and a pack of pills presumed to be Mandrax tablets in his pockets.

The other officer discovered pills that are presumed to be Mandrax and 17 plastic bags containing crystal meth while searching the passenger.

“The driver who was found in possession of a firearm failed to produce a license for the firearm and the serial number was filed off,” said Mtwa.

“Both suspects were informed of their rights and taken for detention at Katlehong SAPS cells while awaiting their first court appearance at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.”

“They are charged for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and for being in possession of drugs.”
He said all the exhibits are kept safe at the SAP13 store and the firearm will be taken for ballistic tests to establish if it was used to commit other serious crimes.

The station commander of Katlehong SAPS, Brigadier Albertina Vesi commended the dedication of the members during the execution of their duties and for always being vigilant and safe at the same time.

“Your great efforts will not go unnoticed. Let us continue to clean the streets by recovering those firearms from the criminals,” said Vesi.