Bekkersdal Police members had a close call when a 31-year-old man pointed a firearm at them during a police operation in Simunye during the weekend.

Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, Bekkersdal Police spokesperson said the incident took place at about 5.30am on Saturday, 29 June.

“Police officers spotted a man walking towards an intersection.

He was carrying a bottle of liquor in one hand and what looked like a firearm in the other. They drove to him and realised he was indeed holding a firearm. 

“They confronted the man who then pointed the firearm at them. Police then instructed him to drop the firearm. At first he refused, but eventually the police managed to remove the weapon from him forcefully and arrest him,” Lefakane said.

The man was charged with pointing a firearm and contravening the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, as it was a licensed firearm. The suspect is to appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court soon.

Colonel Tinus Swart, the Bekkersdal Police station commander commended the members for their bravery.

“I urge the public to use liquor responsibly and refrain from carrying a weapon in open places where liquor is involved, as it poses as a danger to others and themselves.”