Two suspects arrested for unlicensed firearm and drunk driving
A stop-and-search led to the arrests for firearm possession and drunk driving at a busy Pretoria Central intersection.
As the city sees an influx of people returning from holiday destinations, the Pretoria Central police arrested two men travelling with an unlicensed firearm.
The arrest came on December 30, during a stop-and-search at the corner of Paul Kruger and Boom streets.
Three crime prevention officers, with the assistance of the Community Policing Forum members, led by Sergeant Kgomotso Kgobane, stopped a Citroen C3 with three occupants.
“A search was conducted, and it was discovered that the three were under the influence of alcohol, and through a body search, a rusted 9mm firearm with a magazine serial number scratched out was uncovered, hidden in a black bag wrapped in a jersey that the passenger carried.
“Neither could account for the firearm, and they had no valid documentation to possess one,” said station spokesperson Sergeant Thabang Nkhumise.
The suspect with the firearm was taken into custody, and the driver was booked on driving under the influence (DUI). The third occupant was released without charge.
The DUI suspect has since been released on bail, and the suspect with the firearm was remanded in custody following their court appearances at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court recently.
The second suspect’s bail was denied as a result of ballistic testing that needed to be conducted, and the case will resume upon completion.
Nkhumise also advised CBD residents to exercise caution when returning to their everyday lives, as the station grapples with bogus salespeople.
“The community is still urged to be more vigilant as there will be an influx of people who will be job seeking, registrations of colleges and universities, and also those who will be seeking accommodation. Avoid carrying too much cash, and do not fall victim to bogus salespersons and institutions,” Nkhumise said.
The public is reminded that for assistance, one can dial 08600 10111 or 112 on any network provider and follow prompts to report crime.
Alternatively, use the MySAPS app anonymously for whistleblowing.
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