A 20-year-old man faces charges of theft, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of suspected stolen property after community members in Suurman apprehended him on Tuesday, October 20.

According to police, officers responded to reports of suspected criminal activity in Moruleng Block, Mashimong Section, at about 21:00.

Temba police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said officers arrived to find that residents had already detained the suspect.

He was handed over to police alongside about 100m of agricultural netting and an unloaded 7.65mm CZ firearm with a magazine.

“The suspect was taken to Temba police station, where he was detained,” said Van Dyk.

He commended the community’s swift action, noting that the arrest highlighted the importance of co-operation between law enforcement agencies and residents in addressing crime.

Police said investigations are continuing, with the recovered firearm set to undergo ballistic testing to establish whether it can be linked to other criminal cases.

Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine praised residents for their vigilance and encouraged communities to continue sharing information with the SAPS to assist investigations.

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