ERMELO – Lungani Nxumalo (40) appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on March 24, facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of explosives.

His arrest was part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, a provincial police spokesperson, he was apprehended during an operation conducted by the combat team in Wesselton on March 22.

“The officers stopped and searched the suspect and found a firearm in his possession,” said Ndubane.

Subsequent searches of his residence yielded 56 blue and 35 red electrical detonators.

The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and the illegal possession of explosives.

Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial police commissioner, praised the team’s diligent work.

He emphasised the ongoing challenge posed illegal firearms and the illegal use of explosives in the province, both of which are frequently implicated in cash-in-transit heists and illicit mining activities.

“The exceptional work done by our members is crucial in combatting these threats,” said Mkhwanazi.

The case was postponed to April 2 for bail application.