Two men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition during a crime prevention operation conducted by the EMPD in Thembisa on December 18.

According to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, Northern Region Task Team officers were on routine crime prevention duties at about 10:00 when they received information from Crime Intelligence regarding two male suspects allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms.

“Officers proceeded to a residence in Mauritius Street, where the first suspect was located and questioned.

“The suspect then led officers to a second address in Rio Street, Siphethweni section, where the second suspect was found.”

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The suspects subsequently directed officers to a back room at a property in the Maokeng section, where the firearms were allegedly being stored.

“During the search, officers recovered a black Norinco 9mm firearm with three live rounds of ammunition, as well as a black Astra .357 Magnum revolver containing four live rounds.

“Both firearms were found to have defaced serial numbers,” said Thepa.

The two suspects, aged 32 and 49, were arrested and detained at Thembisa Police Station. They face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and live ammunition and are expected to appear in the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court.