A 43-year-old man was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm in Dwarsloop near Bushbuckridge yesterday, January 26.

Police officers were attending to an incident in which members of the community used trucks to block the R40 between Dwarsloop and Acornhoek when they received a tip-off about a man with a gun.

“While monitoring the area, the members received information about another group disrupting traffic at a stop-and-go section on an uphill stretch of the road. Members immediately responded and, upon arrival, dispersed the group from the roadway,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane.

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“During the operation, one suspect was observed carrying a firearm. He was arrested after failing to produce a valid firearm licence. The firearm, with its serial number filed off, and 12 live rounds of ammunition were confiscated,” added Nonyane.

She said the suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today.

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, said criminality will not be tolerated.

The arrest sends a strong message that the SAPS will not tolerate lawlessness, illegal possession of firearms, or actions that threaten public safety. We urge communities to raise their concerns through lawful channels and work with the police to ensure peace and stability,” said Mkhwanazi.

His warning included individuals who allegedly hijacked trucks, used them to block the road and disappeared with the keys.

Lowvelder has been reliably informed that the protesters were demanding that they be employed by the companies whose trucks travel along the R40 on a daily basis. Most of the trucks travel between Phalaborwa and Mozambique on mine-related business.