According to the Mpumalanga Police, Motha was apprehended on the N11 Hendrina road at about 08:30 after he was allegedly found in possession of a firearm that had been reported stolen from a security firm in September 2019.

The Middelburg Police were conducting patrols in the area when they saw a suspicious Toyota Etios, occupied by a lone driver, without a rear registration plate.
Subsequent investigation led to the discovery of a 9mm pistol with live rounds and shotgun ammunition.

Motha was allegedly unable to produce a valid firearm licence, resulting in his arrest and subsequent charge for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Both the firearm and ammunition were confiscated and will be integral to the ongoing investigation.

The police said the firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it has been previously used in other crimes.

It is believed that the suspect is from Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal.

Motha made his first appearance at the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court on October 25. The case has been adjourned to November 2 for a formal bail application.

The suspect remains in custody.