A joint operation led by police and local Farm Watch on February 23 and 24 in the Ehlanzeni District, focusing on Calcutta, Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge, yielded positive results when two suspects were arrested.

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Both men, Repfumelo Kubayi (25) and Lucas Khosa (30), appeared in the Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Courts yesterday, February 25, and are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The arrests followed a joint operation during which members visited several liquor outlets, conducted stop-and-searches and carried out patrols at identified places in Saselani and Dwarsloop in Bushbuckridge.

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Khosa was arrested in Bushbuckridge after police found two unlicensed 9mm pistols, two magazines and about 16 live rounds. Police later arrested Kubayi, who was also found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol with ammunition.

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Both men appeared in court today and Kubayi was granted bail of R1 000. He is expected to appear again in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on March 17.

Khosa, however, remained in custody and will appear again in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on March 2 for a formal bail application.