Sibusiso Morake (42) briefly appeared in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court today, July 24, on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. He was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance on Thursday, July 30, for a formal bail application.

Morake was arrested at a residential property in Marite on Wednesday, July 22, by members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), also known as ‘Amabereta’.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, information was received about an individual believed to be in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. He said the information was operationalised, and TRT members carried out a search of the address provided.

“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. He was also found with live rounds of ammunition,” said Masondo, adding that the serial numbers had been filed off the weapons.

Ballistic testing and precinct crime surge
He said the firearms will be sent for ballistic testing and further investigation will determine whether Morake is linked to any other crimes.

The Calcutta policing precinct, under which Marite falls, has reported 38 gun murders since the beginning of the year. The 38th victim was gunned down in Marite on the same night that Morake was arrested. His arrest follows the recent deployment of additional officers from Crime Intelligence, Crime Detection, Tactical Response, the K9 Unit, and Public Order Policing, among others, to the area amid the surge in gun-related deaths.

Video Caption: Sibusiso Morake walks to the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court holding cells. > Video: Riot Hlatshwayo
Photo Caption: Sibusiso Morake in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court. > Photo: Riot Hlatshwayo