Police recover stolen firearms in Modimolle
The police recovered six stolen high calibre hunting rifles during a special operation in Modimolle yesterday (Monday)
LIMPOPO – Three suspects were arrested.
Provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, said the operation was driven by members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Modimolle detectives.
Otto said the rifles were stolen during a housebreaking on a farm outside Mokopane about a week ago.
“The farm owners were not at home when the suspects broke into their house and opened their safe with a grinder. The suspects stole seven firearms as well as ammunition,” she said.
The special operation led to the recovery of six of the stolen firearms and 121 rounds of ammunition. They also recovered the vehicle that was used during the crime.
“Forensic tests are underway to determine if the firearms were used to commit crimes. The suspects will appear in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Wednesday) facing charges of illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” Otto said.
Acting provincial police commissioner, Maj Genl Nonhlanhla Zulu, welcomed the arrests and praised the officers for their diligence, patience and dedication in tracing the suspects.
“The stolen firearms posed a huge threat to the safety of the communities in Limpopo, and might have been used to shoot rhinos and elephants if the suspects were not apprehended,” Zulu concluded.
