Another gun-related murder of a man in Marite last night, Wednesday July 22, has brought the number of gun murders in the Calcutta policing precinct to 38 since the beginning of the year.

The man was shot and killed while inside a car near the Palace shortly after 20:00, and the police have opened a case of murder.

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old male suspect was arrested after he was found in possession of two firearms, including a high-calibre rifle and ammunition in Marite last night.

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“The suspect was found in possession of a rifle and a pistol believed to have been used in the commission of serious and violent crimes in the area. The suspect was also found with live rounds of ammunition,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo.

“Following the deployment of more members from Crime Intelligence, Crime Detection, the Tactical Response Team, the K9 Unit, Public Order Policing and other police units, information was received about an individual who was in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Marite, Calcutta,” added Masondo.

He said the information was acted upon, and members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) entered the house where they found a man and a woman.

“Upon searching the house, two firearms were discovered: an automatic rifle and a pistol with serial numbers filed off. We also recovered live rifle ammunition,” said Masondo.

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He said the male suspect, who is the owner of the house, was arrested and charged with the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Masondo added that the firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to determine whether they were used in the commission of any crimes, while the suspect will be profiled to check whether he is linked to other crimes.

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the police for their teamwork, the recovery of the firearms and ammunition, and the arrest of the suspect.

“This is a significant breakthrough in our fight against violent crime in Calcutta and surrounding areas. These weapons, with filed-off serial numbers, are often used to terrorise communities. We will ensure that ballistic tests are conducted urgently so that we can link them to any outstanding cases. Our message to criminals is clear – we will find you and you will face the full might of the law,” said the general.