Police arrest 21-year-old with two unlicensed firearms in Pretoria CBD
A police team that was patrolling the area stopped the suspect and an accomplice when they were acting suspiciously.
Police arrested a 21-year-old man in the Pretoria CBD in possession of two unlicensed firearms on Tuesday.
One of the firearms was linked to a theft case, according to police.
The arrest took place on the corner of Bloed and Lillian Ngoyi streets while a police team was patrolling.
A team of two constables and three patrollers cornered the suspect and an accomplice after the pair were spotted behaving suspiciously.
Constable Freedom Sibusiso Sambo, Constable Nhlayiso Zitha and three patrollers Golden Makhubela, patroller Thabang Mphanya, and Patroller Dimpho Mulanddwa were under the command of Captain Portia Maleka.
The pair was headed to a taxi rank when they were stopped. Upon investigation, the firearms were recovered.
Central SAPS Spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise said the suspect was carrying a luggage bag. “A search was immediately conducted and they discovered a revolver hidden in the left-hand side of the jacket he was wearing. The luggage bag was searched and they uncovered a rifle.”
A rifle loaded with one round of ammunition and a .38 special revolver loaded with six rounds were seized.
The suspect could not produce valid documentation for the two firearms and was immediately arrested. He was taken to the station where he was charged with possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
It was later discovered that the revolver had been stolen in North West.
Station commander Brigadier Hlengani Mashaba applauded the arrest and assured the community that this would be a continued effort to eradicate lethal weapons from the streets and prevent further crimes.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court pending further investigation.
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