Wanted suspect caught with unlicensed firearm in Pretoria West
Police arrested a suspect during a patrol after he allegedly tried to flee with a bag containing a pistol and ammunition. Further checks revealed he is wanted in Limpopo for multiple cases, including attempted robbery and firearm offences.
The Pretoria West Crime Prevention team recently arrested a suspect believed to be linked to previous armed robbery cases during a traffic stop.
The arrest took place around 20:50 on March 29, when members who were conducting patrols in the area spotted a white Chevrolet Spark speeding on Rosetta Street towards WF Nkomo Street, without stopping at a red light.
The police decided to follow the car, and turned on their sirens. When the vehicle came to a stop, five people got out and began walking swiftly in different directions, though police were able to question the driver.
“They asked the driver why the people got out and were walking away. The driver then mentioned they are foreigners who don’t have the right documentation.
“One occupant was a suspicious male who held a black bag with him. They decided to stop him. He tried to run away, but the police managed to apprehend him at a nearby house, where he tried to run in and found the doors locked,” said police spokesperson, Constable Sibongile Vuma.
An unlicensed PX4 Beretta pistol with one magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm live ammunition wrapped in a plastic bag was found, along with a black balaclava, blue work suit top and a pair of takkies.
Vuma said that, upon further checks done on the suspect, it was found that he was wanted on previous offences.
“Furthermore, it was discovered that the suspect is a wanted suspect in Limpopo with four cases linked to him, two for possession of a firearm, one for attempted robbery and dealing in drugs, which were opened in 2019 and 2020,” Vuma said.
The suspect was detained at Pretoria West Police Station and will be appearing soon at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
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