Police have arrested a man suspected for attempted murder and recovered illegal firearms and ammunition during separate operations in eMzinoni and Balfour.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, members of the eMzinoni SAPS conducted an integrated operation on Sunday [August 2] as part of a tracing initiative targeting wanted suspects linked to serious and priority crimes. The operation, led by the station commander, involved officers from the Visible Policing and Detective units, who analysed outstanding case dockets before carrying out follow-up investigations.

Nonyane-Mpe said the operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with an attempted murder case reported in July.

“A firearm, a magazine and ammunition were recovered during the arrest. Preliminary investigations indicate that the firearm may have been used in the commission of the offence. It has been seized and will undergo forensic and ballistic examination as part of the ongoing investigation,” Nonyane-Mpe said.

In a separate incident, officers from Balfour SAPS arrested a suspect for the alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during a stop-and-search operation on the R23 at about 03:00.

Police stopped and searched a Toyota minibus taxi and discovered a bag concealed in the boot of the vehicle.

“The search led to the recovery of an R5 rifle with its serial number filed off, a 9mm Norinco pistol with its serial number removed, an empty 9mm magazine, two R5 magazines loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, as well as a further 72 rounds of live R5 ammunition found in a separate plastic bag,” Nonyane-Mpe said.

The firearms and ammunition were confiscated and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

The suspects are expected to appear in court on charges including attempted murder, where applicable, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.