UPDATE:
Oupa Mbatha (43) was remanded in custody by the Leandra Magistrate Court and the case was postponed to February 28 for formal bail application.
He was arrested on February 18 for the possession of a stolen firearm and dealing in drugs.
Mbatha is a former police reservist.
FEBRUARY 18:
A former police reservist (43) was arrested during an intelligence joint disruptive operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Middelburg, Crime Intelligence and K9 on Friday, February 18, for possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of police uniform, and dealing in drugs in Leandra.
Information was received and followed up resulting in a search and seizure operation at the suspect’s house.
During the search, a firearm, a police uniform and drugs at a street value of R500 000 were found and seized.
According to Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, it was established that the firearm, a 9mm Barreta found in possession of the suspect, was stolen from Leslie SAPS in April 2010 while he was still a police reservist.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Leandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 21.
