Central residents urged to adhere to gun laws
Four suspects have been arrested and firearms seized in just over a week.
Pretoria Central SAPS are encouraging residents to obtain the correct certification to carry firearms in light of a recent spate of illegal possession arrests.
While expressing his approval over his station’s recent successes, station commander Brigadier Hlengane Gibin Mashaba said illegal firearms pose a serious risk to public safety.
“We want to call on all people who have firearms to ensure they complete their firearm competency training, thus ensuring they meet the legal requirements to possess a firearm,” Mashaba said.
In the most recent arrest, a 19-year-old was taken into custody after police recovered a firearm in his possession, which he did not have a permit for.
A team led by Captain Nthuteng Mogotsi, consisting of Constable Itumeleng Kgasago, patrollers Thoko Nchabeleng, Samuel Mathato, and Mpho Chaka, were conducting stop-and-searches in the inner city. At around 23:00, they came across a white VW Polo on Eeufees Road.
“[When] approaching the vehicle, the members requested permission to search the car. They recovered a calibre loaded with one round hidden in a cabin. Unfortunately, the suspect did not have a valid document to possess the firearm. Steps were taken to confiscate the firearm for further ballistic analysis, and the suspect was taken to the station and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm,” said Constable Thabang Nkhumise.
The arrest came on June 17, a few days after two suspects had been arrested for possession of two unregistered firearms and another for the same charge in separate instances.
The 19-year-old suspect is expected to appear at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court pending further investigation.
The other three suspects remain in custody pending investigation and to address verification.
Nkhumise said the block around the station and magistrate’s court has had a power outage for the past three days, delaying a lot of cases.
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