Suspect arrested at Lebombo border in connection with unlawful possession of AK-47s
He was charged for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition and possibly smuggling of firearms and ammunition into South Africa.
A 32-year-old Mozambican national was arrested after he had been caught with two rifles (AK-47s) with ammunition, on Thursday April 14 at around 21:00.
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A provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, said the police had been conducting stop-and-searches at the Lebombo Border Post when a silver Toyota Hilux bakkie with Mpumalanga registration number plates emerged from the Mozambican side coming into South Africa.
“The vehicle was stopped and searched. Two rifles were discovered underneath a sponge as well as two magazines with ammunition. The driver told the police that he did not have the licence for the firearms and ammunition. He was immediately arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition and possibly smuggling of firearms and ammunition. He is due to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court on April 19 for said charges,” said Mohlala.
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Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of the SAPS, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, issued a stern warning to those who might think of taking chances and smuggling illegal items into the country that they will face the full might of the law.
“South Africa is a country with laws. We cannot allow people to smuggle illegal goods in and out of the country unabated. We thank members for their vigilance.”
