This follows the arrest of Vusi Mayile (31) last Friday. Mayile’s arrest followed less than 24 hours after local police arrested another man, Sbusiso Nkosi, for also being in possession of an unlawful firearm and ammunition.

According to Sgt Peace Mbokane, spokesman for the Elukwatini police station, Mayile was arrested by Constables Khaya Khoza and Sbusiso Khaba, who were conducting a routine patrol.

“The two constables were out on patrol when they noticed a male on foot who seemed to have a firearm hidden on his person. They then stopped the suspect and began searching him. In the process, a nine-millimetre Norinco pistol was found, which had one round in its magazine,” said Mbokane.

He said at first the policemen were willing to give Mayile the benefit of the doubt as it was possible that he was licensed to carry such a firearm.

“The suspect was, therefore, requested to produce his permit to possess the weapon and also explain where he was heading with it. Mayile could not answer the questions and instead started shivering as an indication of the fact that he was in possession of the firearm contrary to the stipulations of the Firearms and Ammunition Act,” Mbokane added.

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Mayile was then arrested and the firearm confiscated. “This proves that the police are on the right track in eliminating the prevalence of unlawful firearms in the Elukwatini area.

“One firearm at the hands of a criminal is one too many and if more than that equation can be rid from society in a short space of two days, it shows that the days of criminals are numbered. The community is also requested to continue assisting in the fight against such criminals,” the sergeant commented.