Unlicensed firearm recovered during police patrol
A 36-year-old man appeared in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court following his arrest during a routine police patrol in the Vaalbank area.
Ernest Railu (36), facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, made his first appearance in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday, a day after his arrest.
Members of the Crime Prevention Unit in Mpumalanga, conducting routine patrols within the Vaalbank policing area, arrested Railu on February 9 at about 00:30.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said the police spotted a suspicious vehicle with a Mpumalanga registration plate and stopped it to search.
Railu, who was a passenger in the vehicle, fled to nearby bushes, carrying a black bag.
“The police immediately gave chase and found the suspect in possession of a black revolver without a serial number, along with nine rounds of live ammunition,” Nonyane-Mpe explained.
Railu was unable to produce a valid firearm licence. Nonyane-Mpe indicated that the firearm and ammunition were confiscated as exhibits.
“The recovered firearm will undergo forensic ballistic testing to determine whether it has been used in the commission of other crimes,” Nonyane-Mpe added.
Acting Mpumalanaga Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi lauded the police for their vigilance and swift response, “We remain resolute in our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities. The confiscation of this firearm is a significant step towards preventing potential violent crimes. I commend our members for their dedication and commitment to ensure the safety of residents in Mpumalanga.”
Railu appeared in court again on Tuesday and was granted R3 000 bail. He is expected to reappear in court on March 26 as further investigations continue.
