The station commander of the Ivory Park SAPS, Brig David Mbongeni Ngcobo, is extremely pleased with the pivotal role played by the community in the arrest of a 24-year-old man for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
According to Ivory Park SAPS communication officer, Capt Bernard Matimulane, the community of a local informal settlement on Thursday last week caught the suspect, who is from Tsenelong section, after he was seen in possession of a firearm.
“The community confronted him about the ownership of the firearm but he could not produce proof thereof in the way of a license. He was confined to where he was while police were being called.”
He was promptly arrested. It is also worth pointing out that the firearm has been reported robbed from the owner about a month or so ago near bustling Swazi Inn Market at Extension Three, Ivory Park,” said Matimulane.
“The owner, who was on his way to work, was stabbed and robbed of his belongings, including this pistol. On behalf of my team at Ivory Park SAPS we are so grateful that the community is responding positively to our calls – that of being the ears, the eyes and supporters of police as they discharge their constitutional mandate and obligation,” said Ngcobo.
Ngcobo said it is good news that a dangerous weapon and person have been withdrawn from the community, all thanks to the community for playing their civic duties.
The suspect was expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on Monday to answer to a charge of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Meanwhile, investigations into whether this suspect is one of those who robbed the original firearm owner, continues.
