According to a media statement issued by the SAPS, Aklilu Eliasi (28), was remanded in custody after a brief appearance in Middelburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

His court appearance follows his arrest by police during a Safer Festive Season Operation on Sunday, when Middelburg Flying Squad members stopped a Nissan NP200 during their routine patrol of the R35 Bethal road in Middelburg.

The accused and the vehicle was searched, during which a revolver with five live rounds was found by the members. The accused failed to produce the firearm licence and was arrested and charged for possession of a firearm without a firearm licence or a firearm permit.

The firearm was confiscated for further investigation and ballistic testing will be conducted to ascertain whether it was previously used in the commission of crime.

The police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues.

Aklilu Eliasi appeared at the Middelburg Magistrates’ Court and he was remanded in custody with his next court date scheduled for 22 November.