Owners of unlicensed firearms beware
A man was arrested in the streets of Jeppes Reef after police found him with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
JEPPES REEF – A man was granted R5 000 bail last Tuesday, after he was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on June 21.
According to Sgt. Nompilo Qwabe, a police officer on duty was tipped off that a man walking in the streets of Jeppes Reef was in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on the night in question.
Officers went to investigate and found the 37-year-old with a shotgun and 30 live rounds of ammunition. He could not provide a licence and was arrested.
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He appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court the following Monday and was remanded in custody until his bail application yesterday. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 30.
Community members are urged to report any persons that are in possession of unlicensed firearms. Many of these weapons are used to commit other crimes like robberies and assault or have been stolen.
Firearm owners are also reminded that there are strict guidelines for their use. You are not allowed to take your firearm into public or crowded places such as taverns and pubs.
Firearms should also be kept either in your safe at home or in your holster. It should only be used if your life is in imminent danger.
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If police discover that the owner of a firearm has been using their weapon recklessly, they could be charged with negligent handling of a firearm and arrested.
Persons that have applied for a firearm license are also reminded to go check at the relevant police station to see if their documentation has arrived. Often police have to hold onto several unclaimed licenses for months.
