Sibongiseni Chauke (23) is expected before the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on Friday (November 21) in Vaalbank, facing charges of house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition

Mpumalanga Provincial Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said Chauke was arrested on November 15 in Allemansdrift D at approximately 04:30 after police responded to a house robbery which occurred at about 02:00.

“Police were alerted to four men jumping fences in the area as they were on their way to the scene. The complainant, who was driving around the area, immediately stopped his vehicle and alerted the police to individuals matching the clothing description of the suspects who had committed the robbery at his house,” explained Ndubane.

Ndubane added that the police pursued the suspects on foot, and one of the men dropped a schoolbag on the ground during the chase.

The officers managed to apprehend the man and escorted him back to where he had dropped the bag.

Ndubane said the police discovered a 7.65 firearm with a serial number partially filed off, a magazine with one live round of ammunition, one replica 9mm pistol with a magazine, housebreaking equipment, a balaclava, and two cellphones inside the bag.

“All the items were confiscated. The suspect was unable to produce a licence for the firearm. The recovered firearm will be sent for forensic ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in any criminal activities,” Ndubane added.

Chauke made his first appearance before the court on November 17.

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