Two suspects, Bafana Sehlabela (22) and Ayanda Nhlengethwa (24) appeared at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 13 March for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition on two separate incidents.

According to a media statement issued by the SAPS, police received information on 10 March about someone suspected to have robbed a certain tavern in Witbank.

They then responded accordingly and their investigation led them to a shack in Avalon, New Town around Mhluzi.

Upon arrival they met Sehlabela as he was about to leave, carrying a bag. The members searched him and discovered a firearm with ammunition inside the bag. The suspect reportedly failed to produce the firearm license and was arrested and charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

In another incident on 13 March, members from Witbank Tactical Response Team (TRT), Witbank Detective Services and Middelburg Flying Squad got information on the whereabouts of a suspect who they have been looking for.

They approached his residence and found him in his room.

After searching him, police found a firearm with ammunition in the jacket he was wearing.

He too failed to produce the licence of the firearm and was arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Both suspects were remanded in custody during their court appearance and their cases were postponed to 20 March, for formal bail application.